When it comes to suicide, everybody wants to help prevent it from happening but nobody wants to ask the wrong question or make things worse by inadvertently planting the idea of suicide in a person’s mind who wasn’t already considering it. 

It’s important to understand asking about suicide will not cause someone to commit suicide. 

In this episode, I explain why you never have to go beyond your expertise to address suicide, supportive phrases to use if someone is struggling, and why it’s crucial to check in on loved ones often and repeatedly. 

If you’re not quite sure how to help a friend or loved one you think may be suicidal, remember to be guided by ALP:

A: Ask - Be blunt and ask if they are considering suicide.

L: Listen - Listen for as long as it takes and listen without judgment.  

P: Point - Point them in the direction of a mental health professional.

You may not be a professional but you can help them find professional help. 

In this episode, you’ll also hear:

• How being blunt and asking questions is better than saying nothing
• Listening with non-judgment and resources for professional help  
• Helpful phrases and a reminder to check in on your loved ones  

Must-listen moments: 

[00:04:07]  You will never regret asking someone about suicide. What you will regret undoubtedly is not asking. When in doubt, just ask.

[00:06:15] Allow yourself that freedom of not knowing. You don't need to solve the problem. You don't need to rescue your friend. All you need to do is be enough of a friend to ask the question, listen, and then point them in the direction they ought to go.

[00:08:53] Just because someone wasn't suicidal yesterday doesn't mean they're not today. If you believe a person is suicidal, you should check on that person repeatedly. 

Thank you for listening! 

Resources Mentioned: 

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Depression, Anxiety, and Other Things We Don’t Want to Talk About - https://www.amazon.com/Depression-Anxiety-Other-Things-About/dp/1400221323

Ryan Casey Waller

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