September is here! So are National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. Both are an important part of Makin’ It Happen’s work in prevention, and this month is filled with opportunities to make a difference and get involved with our community partners.
Suicide Prevention Month is timely in September, entering the season of change and shorter days. Back to school for some, more responsibility for others. Suicide prevention is much more than crisis intervention. It is promoting protective factors and checking in on how people are… really.
Protective factors include:
- Support from family and friends; be a support system for others and think about who your support system consists of.
- Effective coping and problem-solving skills; getting outside, exercising, talk therapy, art, and many other coping mechanisms are great to try!
- Reasons for living; sense of meaning and purpose.
- Access to quality healthcare; know your local resources! You can find many here.
- Connection to a community; You can find connections by joining community groups, attending community events, or joining peer support groups.
YOU can prevent suicide. Be a supportive friend or family member, educate yourself on suicide prevention, and support prevention.
Not only is September Suicide Prevention Month, but it is also Recovery Month! Remember that recovery is not just from substance use disorder. It can mean recovering from a suicide attempt, a suicide loss, an eating disorder, a mental health episode, an injury, and so much more. To all the individuals in recovery, we are so proud of you.
Here is some advice for individuals considering recovery from our 2026 My Recovery Gallery:
“Give yourself a break.” Michael
“Recovery has taught me that setbacks don’t define you. Getting back up does. And as long as you’re still willing to stand, there is always hope.” – Corey
“If you are considering recovery, just do it! You have nothing to lose by trying. Trying is better than not trying at all.” – Ashley
“Don’t give up because it does get better! It’s not about being perfect; just stay willing! As long as you’re breathing, there is always hope! “- Julia
Suicide Prevention Events:
988 Day 9/8 More Info
Community QPR with Makin’ It Happen, 9/9, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Virtual via Zoom Register Here
AFSP Walk 9/13, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Rollins Park, Concord, NH More Info
Connor’s Climb 5K 9/20, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Seacoast School of Technology, Exeter, NH More Info
Recovery Events:
Hope Recovery Festival, Saturday, September 26th, Veterans Memorial Park, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Come see our 2026 My Recovery Gallery!
- Leave a voice message of encouragement and hope here.
- Submit artwork here.
Resources:
Makin’ It Happen’s Resource Hub: https://makinithappen.org/resources/
Suicide Prevention Resource Center for Schools: K-12 Suicide Intervention Guide
Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (or 988lifeline.org) for immediate help
Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988 and press 1
NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-947-2999 (toll-free)
New Hampshire Resource Support: 211
Written by Anne Bonner | Marketing and Communications Lead | 8/30/2026.
