At BeWellATL, our mission is to raise awareness of teen mental health and reduce the stigma around discussing emotions, struggles, and well-being. Over the past several years, too many in our community have been touched by the tragic consequences of untreated mental health challenges, including suicide. With September being Suicide Awareness Month, we want to address this topic directly.

Mental health struggles are common, and talking about them early can save lives. Normalizing conversations about feelings, coping strategies, and emotional challenges from a young age helps teens develop the skills and resilience they need to navigate life’s ups and downs. It also lays the foundation for more difficult conversations as they grow.

One of the most important messages we share with parents is this: asking directly about suicide does not give someone the idea—in fact, the opposite is true. Asking, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” is one of the most powerful ways to prevent a potential suicide.

Additionally, Rabbi Shalom Hammer of Gila’s Way stated during a conversation with us last year, “The majority of people who die from suicide do not want to die. And that means that if we can give them a glimpse of light, a shimmer of hope, some reason to continue, we have the potential to save lives.” Since his daughter Gila tragically died from suicide, Rabbi Hammer became a certified mental health instructor and champions mental health awareness and suicide prevention worldwide. To view this conversation in its entirety, visit our Focus Workshop Series web page.

At BeWellATL, we provide programs, resources, and tools—like our teen-created conversation cards—to help parents have these critical discussions. Our team works directly with teens and families, in schools and home settings, to guide parents and help teens feel heard, supported, and understood.

Together, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and create a community where teens feel safe to speak openly about their mental health. Every conversation matters, and a simple question could save a life.

If you are interested in bringing our suicide awareness program to your school or hosting a session in your home, please reach out to Jessica Sacks, Community Outreach Coordinator at jsacks@jfcsatl.org