GIVE LIFE ONE MORE DAY: SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH

September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time when communities across the country come together to shine a light on one of the most difficult, but most important, conversations we can have. At Polara Health, we believe every life holds immeasurable value — and every day offers the chance for healing, connection, and hope.

This year, our theme is simple but powerful: Give Life One More Day.

The Power of One More Day

When someone is in the depths of depression or crisis, the pain can feel unbearable and endless. In those moments, it can be nearly impossible to see the love and hope that still exist around them. Suicide can feel like the only way out.

But often, what a person in crisis needs is time — just one more day. One more day to breathe. One more day to reach out. One more day to rest, to call a friend, to walk outside, to eat a meal, to cry, to feel, to wait. Life can change quickly, sometimes overnight. Giving life one more day can mean the difference between despair and hope.

We know that suicide is not just an individual tragedy. For every person who dies by suicide, at least 20 loved ones are deeply affected. Families, friends, and communities carry that grief forever. Survivors often speak of the same wish: if only my loved one had waited one more day.

Why Talking Matters

Suicide is often shrouded in silence. Stigma and fear keep too many from speaking openly about their struggles. But the truth is, talking about suicide saves lives.

If someone shares that they are thinking about suicide, you don’t need the perfect words. What matters is listening, staying calm, and encouraging them to wait one more day. A simple, compassionate phrase like “I’m here for you. Please hold on one more day” can be a lifeline until professional help is in place.

How You Can Help Someone in Crisis

If you’re worried about someone, here are a few ways you can help them give life one more day:

• Listen without judgment. Let them share their pain without rushing to fix it.

• Offer simple comfort. Suggest they eat, drink some water, or rest — basic needs can bring grounding.

• Stay connected. Check in regularly. A text or phone call can remind them they’re not alone.

• Encourage professional help. Share resources like Polara Health or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• Avoid dismissive responses. Words like “you’ll get over it” or “go ahead” can deepen despair. Instead, offer calm reassurance: “I care about you. Please give tomorrow a chance.”

Hope for Tomorrow

For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, the grief never fully disappears. Yet, survivors often become powerful voices for change, sharing their stories so others don’t have to face the same loss. Their message is clear: even in the darkest moments, there is hope.

At Polara Health, we walk alongside individuals and families every day, offering care, counseling, crisis support, and connection. You are not alone, and you do not need to carry your pain in silence.

A Message for You

If you are struggling right now, please hear this: your life matters. What feels impossible today may look different tomorrow. Give yourself one more day. Then one more after that.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, please call 988 or reach out to Polara Health at 928-445-5211. Our Crisis Stabilization Unit is open 24/7 and is located at 8655 E. Eastridge Drive, Prescott Valley. Polara Health’s trained Crisis Navigators are here to support you or a loved one through any crisis. Help is here. Hope is here.

This September, let’s come together as a community to spread compassion, break the silence, and remind one another of the power of one more day.