Description

In the closing episode of our Suicide Prevention Awareness Month series, April welcomes therapist Jared Jones back to the podcast for a compassionate and practical conversation about what to do when suicidal thoughts arise — either in your life or someone else’s.

Jared offers evidence-based tools, calming strategies, and long-term practices to reduce risk and foster resilience. He explains what emotional crisis looks like from a neurological perspective, how to recognize when someone is in danger, and how to respond with presence, compassion, and confidence.

Whether you’re personally struggling or supporting a loved one, this episode equips you with grounding techniques, mindset anchors, and safety planning strategies — and encourages you to take one small step toward connection and healing.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• What an emotional or mental crisis looks and feels like
• Why suicidal thoughts are a perceived solution — not a desire to die
• Common myths about suicide (and the truth that saves lives)
• Grounding and sensory techniques to manage intense emotion
• How to create a safety plan and why it matters
• Long-term strategies for self-care, resilience, and recovery
• How to help a loved one without taking on the burden alone
• Apps, tools, and resources to keep close — just in case

🧠 Notable Tools Mentioned:

• 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
• Columbia Protocol App (suicide risk assessment + resource links)
• Journaling, movement, creative expression, prayer, and mindfulness
• Creating “anchor statements” like “This feeling will pass.”
• Safety planning with the help of a therapist or template

📌 Key Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text, 24/7)
• Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
• Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) App
• Support groups, peer networks, and teletherapy options
• Jared’s recommendation: practice self-compassion daily and build your tribe before you need them.

If you’re in pain, please know: You are not alone. You are not a burden. There is hope — and you matter. Start where you are. Take the next right step. We’ll walk with you.