Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day

Let’s Talk About What Helps

Tomorrow, September 10th,  is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day to remember those we've lost, and to focus on what keeps us going when life gets hard.

It’s easy to think of suicide prevention as something only professionals or crisis services do. But in reality, protective factors are often small, human things: feeling like you belong. It's having someone who listens. Feeling useful. Having reasons to get up in the morning.

Connection matters. Whether it’s with your kids, your neighbour, your dog, your culture, your land, or your own sense of meaning. When people feel connected, supported, and seen, they’re more able to ride out life’s tougher seasons. Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that make the biggest difference, like a kind word at the right moment, an invitation to share a meal, or simply sitting in silence with someone who is struggling. Every act of care adds to the safety net we weave together as a community.

At Tumbleweed Therapies, we talk a lot about helping people build their own protective factors. That might mean learning how to regulate emotions, navigating grief, setting boundaries, finding purpose, or just having someone to talk to when things feel overwhelming.

Counselling isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about helping you stay connected to what matters.

So tomorrow, take that moment to check in; with yourself, your mate, your parents, your neighbour. Protective factors can start with a conversation.

Get in touch to schedule an appointment with myself, Toby, or our Ingham-based counsellor, Lucia. If you need support after hours, phone 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255), or call 000 in the case of an emergency.

For inquiries, email intake@tumbleweedtherapies.com or call 07 4463 8679. You can also visit our website at  www.tumbleweedtherapies.com.au

Contributed with thanks to Tumbleweed Therapies.