Please listen to and share this episode; It may just save someone's life!
Today I share 5 Suicide Risk Reduction Tips from Melissa Heath PhD, NCSP; a retired professor from Brigham Young University's Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education.
Let's first get on the same page. I view someone who died by suicide as someone who lost their battle to mental health just like I see someone who died from cancer as someone who lost the battle they were fighting to eradicate a disease of abnormal cells in their body. Suicide is a disease of the mind, like cancer is a disease in the body. And like treating cancer, people struggling with suicidal ideation need support, love and understanding.
From this day on, I invite you to always use the phrase "died by suicide" or "died from suicide" instead of "committed suicide"...you wouldn't say, "that person committed cancer", but that "they lost their battle to cancer". We all have known someone who lost their battle to a mental illness. Let us use the phrasing that connotes more compassion and grace for those who have died and for those who who love them.
5 Tips To Reduce Suicide Risk
TIP 1: Talk about suicide in general and talk about those you have lost to suicide just like you would talk about a loved one you lost to cancer. TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE DOES NOT INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF YOUR LOVED ONE MAKING THAT CHOICE. What it does is help them see you as a safe place to openly talk if they did ever have suicidal ideation.
TIP 2: Watch for warning signs. (Listen in for 6 signs!)
TIP 3: Ask indirect and direct questions. (Listen in to hear several examples.)
TIP 4: Create an atmosphere where you are most likely to be able to successfully make a connection and have an open conversation. (Listen in for 8 suggestions.)
TIP 5: Take action if someone you love shows warning signs of suicide. (Listen in for 5 things you can do to support someone.)
Last Week's Interview with Amy Knowlton Episode 83: "Turning Pain into Purpose"
Listen in today and to these other incredibly helpful podcasts.
Episode 30: Suicidal Thoughts- A Teen's Perspective
Episode 31: Suicidal Thoughts- A Social Worker's Perspective
Episode 32: Suicidal Thoughts- A Sibling's Perspective
Episode 82: Turning Pain Into Purpose-Interview with Pharmacist, Dr. Linda McElhiney
2022 was the highest number of suicides ever reported in US history. This is not just a problem in America either. Join me in making a difference and letting people know they are "NOT ALONE"-one person at
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