Tips to support your loved ones this National Suicide Prevention Month
A quiet check-in after school drop-off. A text to a friend who’s been canceling plans. In Bismarck, simple moments like these can open a door during National Suicide Prevention Month this September.
According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (ND HHS), suicide is preventable when communities know the warning signs and connect people to care. Local help is available—from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to services at West Central Human Service Center in Bismarck—if you or someone you love needs support, per ND HHS.
Supporting loved ones in Bismarck this month
September is a good time to check on neighbors, classmates, and coworkers and to learn how to respond if someone seems off. State mental-health officials emphasize that friends and family are often the first to notice changes and can play a key role in getting help, according to ND HHS.
You don’t need to be an expert. If you’re worried about someone in your circle—in your church group, on your shift, or at your child’s practice—trust your gut and reach out. If you need backup, you can call, text, or chat with trained counselors at 988 anytime.
Local services can also help you think through next steps. West Central Human Service Center, which serves the Bismarck region, offers behavioral-health services and crisis support pathways; details are listed by ND HHS. For youth and families, groups like Youthworks North Dakota provide support and referrals.
Crisis Contact Information: If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. For immediate danger, call 911.
Recognizing the warning signs
Look for new or worsening changes—pulling away from friends or activities, sleeping much more or much less, increased drinking or drug use, talking about feeling hopeless, or giving away possessions. These are among the signs that someone may need help, according to ND HHS and the 988 Lifeline.
For teens, watch for sharp drops in grades, skipping classes, irritability, or quitting sports and clubs without explanation. State education guidance highlights attendance and academic changes as red flags that merit a conversation and connection to support, per the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction’s suicide prevention resources.
If you notice several changes at once—or your gut tells you something isn’t right—reach out sooner rather than later. You can also call 988 yourself to talk through what you’re seeing and how to respond.
How to start the conversation
Keep it simple and specific. Try: “I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter and missing work—how are you doing?” Naming the change you’ve seen and asking directly if the person is thinking about suicide is safe and can be lifesaving, according to the 988 Lifeline.
Listen more than you speak. Responses like “Thank you for telling me,” “That sounds really hard,” and “I’m here with you” help keep the door open. Avoid quick fixes or minimizing—skip phrases like “it’s not that bad.” If the person says they’re thinking about suicide, stay with them (or on the phone) and contact 988 together for next steps.
Ensuring safety and getting help
If someone is at immediate risk—talking about a plan, has access to lethal means, or you’re otherwise very concerned—do not leave them alone. Call 911 for immediate danger. For urgent mental-health guidance, contact 988 to connect with trained counselors who can help you reduce risk and link to local services; North Dakota’s crisis response network can be activated through 988, according to ND HHS.
Reducing access to lethal means saves lives. Safely store firearms locked and unloaded, and secure or dispose of unused medications, consistent with guidance from the 988 Lifeline. If you’re unsure how to proceed, a 988 counselor can walk you through options.
In Bismarck, behavioral-health care is available through state, hospital, and nonprofit providers. West Central Human Service Center’s services and crisis pathways are listed by ND HHS. Area hospitals, including Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius Health, outline behavioral-health services and how to access care; check ahead for locations, hours, and insurance.
Staying connected over the long term
Healing takes time. Keep showing up—send a check-in text, invite a short walk along the riverfront, offer a ride to an appointment, or drop off a meal. Regular, low-pressure contact helps people feel less alone, according to the 988 Lifeline.
If your loved one starts counseling or medication, ask how you can support their plan—reminders, childcare help, or joining a family session if they want. For caregivers and friends, support groups and education sessions offered by organizations such as AFSP North Dakota can provide tools and community.
Community anchors here—schools, workplaces, congregations, and teams—can help sustain that net. If you’re connected to a local group that wants training, AFSP’s Talk Saves Lives program and state prevention trainings are available in North Dakota, per AFSP North Dakota and ND HHS.
Resources in and around Bismarck
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
- West Central Human Service Center (Bismarck): Behavioral-health services and crisis pathways via ND HHS — check services and intake options ahead
- Sanford Health (Bismarck): Behavioral-health services overview at Sanford Behavioral Health — check locations and hours
- CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck): Behavioral-health services overview at CHI Behavioral Health — check locations and hours
- Youthworks North Dakota (Bismarck): Support for youth and families at youthworksnd.org — call ahead for availability
- Heartview Foundation (Bismarck): Substance use treatment and recovery support at heartview.org — check program options and wait times
- North Dakota Department of Public Instruction: School-focused prevention resources at DPI Suicide Prevention
- AFSP North Dakota: Education, survivor support, and events at afsp.org/chapter/north-dakota
If you’re unsure where to start, 988 counselors can connect you to the right local resource. You can also explore ND’s crisis and treatment options via the state’s Behavioral Health site.
Crisis Contact Information: If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. For immediate danger, call 911.
What to Watch
Look for September awareness events, trainings, and community walks posted by AFSP North Dakota and area health systems; dates vary year to year, so check ahead. Schools and campuses in Bismarck also share programming and resources on their websites and social feeds—worth a glance if you’re a parent or student.
