September May End, But Someone Still Needs You to Listen

We have successfully made it to the last day of September, and my heart is filled with joy. Although, my head is kind of banging at the moment from the stress of a conference I just got back from. But even with that, I am grateful that we made it through another month.

But before September comes to an end, I want us to pause and reflect deeply on what this month has been about: suicide prevention.

Just like we are taught to learn first aid and CPR, sometimes to the point where it becomes second nature, I believe it is equally important for us to learn about suicide prevention. More than 720,000 people die by suicide every year around the world. That is a staggering number. And because suicide may not have personally affected us or someone close to us, that does not mean it is not real. Behind every statistic is a human being, a family, a story, and a life that mattered.

I intentionally did not focus heavily on statistics throughout this month. I wanted us to focus less on numbers and more on the human being behind the number; on compassion, connection, listening, and knowing how to show up for someone who may be hurting.

So as September comes to a close, I want us to remember R.A.S.A., a simple active-listening approach we can use when someone opens up to us.

R — Receive

Give the person your full attention. Listen without interrupting, rushing to respond, or immediately trying to fix the problem.

If someone says, “I feel like nobody understands me,” instead of immediately giving advice, you could say:

“I’m listening. Tell me more.”

Sometimes people don’t need us to have the perfect answer. They simply need to know they are not alone.

A — Acknowledge

Recognize what the person is feeling without judging, dismissing, or minimizing their experience.

If they say, “I feel completely overwhelmed,” you could respond:

“That sounds really overwhelming. I’m glad you told me.”

You don’t have to agree with every thought someone has in order to acknowledge that their feelings are real.

S — Summarize

Repeat back what you heard so you can make sure you actually understand them.

For example:

“So, you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and alone lately. Did I understand that correctly?”

Listening is not simply hearing words. It is making an effort to understand the person behind those words.

A — Ask

And this one is especially important.

If you are concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, ask directly and calmly:

“Are you thinking about suicide?”

Asking the question does not plant the idea in someone’s mind. It can open the door to an honest conversation and help you understand whether they may need immediate support.

The Bible reminds us in James 1:19 to be “quick to listen, slow to speak.” There is something powerful about that instruction.

God gave us two ears and one mouth. Perhaps there is a lesson in that.

We live in a world that often rewards quick responses, quick opinions, and quick solutions. But sometimes love looks like slowing down enough to listen.

Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Sometimes carrying someone’s burden doesn’t mean having the solution. Sometimes it means sitting beside them long enough for them to know they don’t have to carry it alone.

And Proverbs 18:21 reminds us of the power of our words. Our words can wound, but they can also bring encouragement, hope, and life.

So although September is ending, let the conversation continue.

Let’s continue checking on the person who always says, “I’m fine.”

Let’s continue making space for honest conversations.

Let’s continue learning how to listen without judgment.

Let’s continue asking difficult questions when something doesn’t feel right.

And let’s continue reminding people that their lives have value.

September may end, but our commitment to compassion should not.

If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about suicide, please seek immediate support. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Thank you for walking with me through this month’s conversations. ❤️

For more encouragement, awareness, and practical conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, follow me on Instagram @tabithainspires.

May God help us become people who don’t just speak about hope, but who help others experience it.