Gulur September: Caring, Listening, and Sharing Hope

by Mariana Ferelli

On September 10, the world observed World Suicide Prevention Day - a day dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reminding us of the importance of seeking professional help when we are struggling with our mental or emotional health.

Throughout September, communities around the world come together to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. In Iceland, this initiative is known as Gulur September — Yellow September. It brings together health organizations, hospitals, social services, and community organizations with a shared goal: promoting mental well-being and strengthening suicide prevention.

But Yellow September is about more than a public health campaign. It is also an invitation for our communities to notice, care, and be there for one another.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes that faith communities can play an important role in suicide prevention. By reducing stigma, recognizing signs of distress, offering a listening ear, and encouraging people to seek professional support, churches can become places where people feel safe enough to ask for help.

The Adventist Church is also encouraging more open conversations about suicide and mental health. In 2026, the Seventh-day Adventist Church project REMINDED released Inside Suicide, a documentary series featuring mental health professionals, faith leaders, and people with personal experiences of suicide. The series seeks to break the silence surrounding suicide and remind us that professional care, community support, and faith can all be part of the journey toward healing.

The Bible reminds us that even people of deep faith can experience moments of profound distress. The prophet Elijah, for example, reached a point where he wished he could die (1 Kings 19). God did not respond to his suffering with judgment. Instead, He first gave Elijah rest, food, and care. He stayed with him, spoke with him, and helped him find a way forward.

Perhaps this is one of the most important messages of Yellow September:

We do not have to face our struggles alone.

As a Christian community, we are called to notice when someone is struggling, to listen without judgment, and to remind one another that every life has value. We can also recognize that faith and professional care belong together. Prayer and professional help can go hand in hand.

Jesus said,

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

As Seventh-day Adventists, we believe that life is a gift from God and that we are called to care for the whole person - body, mind, relationships, and spirit. Caring for our mental health is also caring for the gift of life.

Listening is an act of service.

Offering a safe place is a way of sharing Christ’s love.

May our church be a place where people find not only faith, but also a listening ear, compassionate care, community, and hope - a place where someone can say, “I’m not okay,” and know that they do not have to walk through it alone.

We may not always be able to take away someone’s pain. But we can be present, listen, and help them find the next step.

• Throughout the month, Gulur September offers events and activities that encourage people to talk openly about mental health, pay attention to those around them, and seek help when it is needed. You can learn more about the campaign and its events at www.gulurseptember.is.

• You can lear more for the Adventist Reminded project in https://reminded.org