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Last time, we talked about asking the question, “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?” and I encouraged you to ask boldly and openly. Generally, a direct question pulls for a direct answer. There are really only three answers to the Question: no, not really, or yes. If they say ‘no,’ and you are […]

https://pixabay.com/en/nature-outdoors-beard-business-3246122/ I’ve been talking with people about suicide for a long time. And the question I am most often asked as a speaker and an expert is, “How do I ask someone about suicide? I don’t want to give them the idea!” Please be assured, you won’t give them the idea to end their own […]

My last couple blogs have been about the large impact small differences can have. Over time, these small differences can grow to become significant differences. I have 2 examples for you to consider. “Make your bed.” This could be something you remember hearing when you were a child, but as a commencement speech at the […]

I recently read a post by someone quoting Navy Seal Commander Mark Divine: “Be 1% better than yesterday.” I often tell this story on myself in my trainings to illustrate a similar philosophy when it comes to suicide intervention: by helping someone considering ending their own life make a very small shift in thought or […]

https://pixabay.com/en/alone-sad-f-depression-loneliness-2666433/ Feeling alone? Especially during the holiday season, people may feel alone, left out, or isolated.  Maybe you’ve recently moved, are deployed military, or are emotionally or geographically separated from loved ones. Whatever your life circumstances, please remember you are NOT alone. There are people willing to help you all around you. Who can you […]

We’ve reached the end of my series on the Safety Plan as a brief suicide intervention. The Safety Plan has a distinct advantage over the no-harm/no-suicide contract because the Safety Plan helps patients develop a plan for how to care for themselves while the no-harm/no-suicide contract is a “promise” not to try to end their […]

Two massive hurricanes. A large earthquake in Mexico. The horrific mass shooting event in Las Vegas on Sunday. If you feel overwhelmed with recent events in our world, you are not alone. Many resources exist to help us deal with these critical incidents.  Allow me to share just a few. The American Psychological Association has […]

I’ve been writing about the Safety Plan as a brief suicide intervention, Tear up that no-harm/no-suicide contract, and we are returning to the final step, Reducing the Potential for Use of Lethal Means, to review some practical steps, especially for firearm use. Remember that I mentioned in my last post that means restriction is not […]

I’ve been writing about the Safety Plan as a brief suicide intervention, Tear up that no-harm/no-suicide contract, and we are ready to explore the final step, Reducing the Potential for Use of Lethal Means. This final step in the Safety Plan is particularly important when someone considering suicide has developed a plan.  Once someone has selected […]

I’ve been writing about the Safety Plan as a brief suicide intervention, Tear up that no-harm/no-suicide contract, and we are ready to explore the fifth step, Professional and Agency Contacts to Help Resolve Suicidal Crises. If the prior four steps are ineffective in resolving the suicidal crisis, the person in crisis is encouraged to contact a […]