The pandemic caused a spike in mental health struggles as more people found themselves dealing with uncertainty.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Deborah Turner runs the 211 Lifeline program. It connects people who are struggling with much-needed resources.

“When someone’s going through a crisis or struggling, they can get upset, flustered,” Turner said. “They’re just trying to get what they need.”

With the pandemic affecting more people’s mental health, 211 Lifeline and other organizations are trying to de-stigmatize talking about suicide.

Laura Stradley works at the Veterans Outreach Center. After serving eight years in the military, one of her fellow soldiers took their own life. Now Stradley wants to make sure people aren’t afraid to have tough conversations.

“Every time a vet walks into this building, everyone has to be prepared and recognize signs and symptoms,” Stradley said.

Veterans struggling with mental health should reach out to the VA’s crisis hotline. And for anyone else needing a person to talk to you, 211 Lifeline is free and confidential.