September is Suicide Prevention Month. But the executive director of the Center for Suicide Awareness in Wisconsin, Barb Bigalki, says every month you can make an impact. “Don’t ever minimize the importance of a warm hug, a listening ear, a caring heart, even a smile,” Bigalki told WFDL news. “Those are big breakthroughs to somebody that is walking through maybe a dark time or struggling with their mental health.” Bigalki says it’s important to break the stigma and talk about mental health. Bigalki says asking someone who appears to be struggling mentally if they are thinking about suicide actually shows that you notice and care about them. Anyone in need of support can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day to talk with a trained counselor.
