According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Many people are uncomfortable with the topic of suicide. As a result, people rarely communicate openly about suicide. Thus, an important public health problem is left hidden in secrecy, which can hinder effective prevention efforts.”

The month of September has been National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Anytime is a good time to reach out to help others, but during the month of September, we have been hearing many reminders about reaching out to help prevent suicide. Saying the word suicide — asking a friend or family member if he or she is considering suicide — is one way to reach out.

“Talking about suicide is one of the best ways to prevent it,” according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. How we talk about it should include messages of hope, healing and help, rather than messages of shame or accusation.

It is not easy to accept the fact that young children think about suicide and the issue is sometimes ignored until adolescence and secondary school. Because of the prevalence in teenagers, there has been much research on the topic, and prevention programs have been focused on this age group.

However, it is becoming more and more apparent that elementary-age children are in need of help as well. While young children’s general understanding of death and suicide may be immature, many have heard about these from movies, television and discussions with other children. It is not as likely that these discussions are with adults.

Still, we’re often afraid that discussing suicide will put the idea into children’s minds. And, as parents, that scares us into being silent. However, research tells us differently. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “Talking honestly about suicide does not give others the idea to take their own lives.”

While we should be openly communicating with young children about suicide, that communication will be different than it is with teenagers and adults. According to NAMI, suicide prevention with younger children is less about just talking about suicide and more about supporting them in coping with and expressing difficult emotions, teaching them to show empathy for others and letting them know where to turn for help.

The hope is that by breaking the silence about suicide with younger children, more kids will get the help that they need. Breaking the silence with teens and adults, including older adults and veterans, will also help them to get the support that they need.

We can all do more. Becoming educated about warning signs, watching out for each other, supporting those in need, asking questions and using the “s” word are some of the ways.

Common warning signs include: talking about wanting to die or being a burden to others; feeling empty, hopeless or trapped; exhibiting more sadness or anger than usual; withdrawing from friends; saying goodbye; using drugs or alcohol often; and eating or sleeping more or less.

If you or someone you know is struggling right now, reach out for support. You can always call 988 or text TALK to 741741; both are confidential and available 24/7 every day of the year.