September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time professionals and community voices raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic.

Throughout the month, experts work to shift public perception and ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

On Monday, “Chicago Tonight” co-host Paris Schutz moderated a special edition of our “Chicago Tonight: Voices” community conversation series previewing the new PBS documentary “Facing Suicide.” 

This new film explores powerful stories of those impacted by suicide — one of America’s most urgent health crises — and takes viewers to the front lines of research with scientists whose work is leading to better prevention and treatment. 

Schutz was joined by Michael Rosenfeld, vice president of National Productions at TPT, Twin Cities PBS; Marilyn Rodriguez, bilingual psychotherapist at Latinx Talk Therapy; Dr. Sean Joe, the Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis; and Dr. Munther Barakat, director of Behavioral Health Therapy at Advocate Aurora. 

The guests discussed the stigma around mental health, suicidal ideation and how it can be addressed, as well as warning signs to look for in family members and friends.

“Facing Suicide” will premiere on all WTTW platforms on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 9 pm.