Most people don’t ask because it feels too heavy, too frightening. The sad truth is, we know that silence doesn’t help anyone.
We need to change how we talk about suicide, but we also need to change WHEN we start these conversations. For years, I’ve said starting your suicide prevention conversations at “Are you thinking of suicide?” is hurting our efforts more than helping.
Let’s start before we worry someone is struggling. Let’s be open about how we show up when we might be struggling. Share what helps you and how people can check on you. Better yet, share the things that keep you happy, healthy, and well. Give people personal “tips” on how to “troubleshoot” you when you might need a little extra care.
These conversations are much easier, truly preventative, and open that heavy door so people aren’t unsure of how best to approach the necessary life and death conversation of whether you might be experiencing suicidality.
Suicide prevention can’t hinge on a question we’re too afraid to ask. It has to start with connection.
#suicideprevention #connection #starttoday
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