We Need To Talk About Suicide

Why is Suicide Such a Hard Topic to Talk About? People are often afraid to bring up the word suicide, thinking it will give someone the idea to end their life. Please believe me when I tell you that you cannot give them the idea. Often those who are in a crisis situation are stuck between a death wish and a wish to live, and are not sure what they want to do. Some people talk about suicide, giving others a chance to intervene. Sometimes the internal conversation in a potentially suicidal person s head feels so loud, it s hard for them to believe it can t be heard by others. The fear of talking about suicide is the unacknowledged proverbial elephant in the room. Talking about concerns of suicidal action allows for a release valve necessary to deflate the elephant. You can make a difference by recognizing warning signs of suicide. According to multiple sets of crisis statistics, eighty percent of people who attempt or complete suicide give some form of warning signs prior to their attempt. You can benefit from knowledge gained through many hundreds of actual assessments and interventions, which have lead to the identification of ten types of life situations that contribute to contemplating suicide. True stories and information on how to recognize and respond to verbal and behavioral clues will help you find ways to approach people you care about.

Sande Roberts has been in the crisis and behavioral health field for over twenty-five years. She has a master s degree in psychology, and is a certified trainer in suicide prevention and crisis intervention. Roberts is a behavioral consultant, conflict resolution specialist, psychology professor, and a speaker and trainer working with those in ultra high stress occupations, which includes government, military, police, fire and sports.