Courageous Conversations: Opening up for Hope and Healing
September is dedicated to creating awareness, spreading hope, and starting meaningful conversations in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide can feel like a difficult or even uncomfortable topic to bring up, which is why the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is emphasizing the importance of “starting the conversation” throughout this month.
Suicidal thoughts, like mental health disorders, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. Suicide is often met with stigma, silence, or shame which all decrease the chances of someone reaching out for help. This means people you know could be struggling quietly, carrying heavy thoughts without anyone realizing it. By increasing awareness and opening conversations, we remind them they are not alone and do not have to face these struggles in silence.
Do you feel unprepared to start a conversation with someone you’re concerned about? Maybe you know how to start the conversation, but you aren’t’ sure what to do next or how to help them. You are in the right spot! Here are a few strategies to guide you:
Start the conversation.
There are a few things to keep in mind when checking on someone you care about. If you are spending time with them in person, be mindful of the social setting you are in. Choose a private, comfortable environment where they feel safe to open up. Beginning your conversation with care and compassion can help them feel safe. This could sound like, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really down lately, and I really care about you.” If you are unable to see them in person, a text or phone call is just as meaningful.
As the conversation continues, utilize open-ended questions. These are questions that require more than a simple “yes” or “no” response and encourage meaningful dialogue. Utilizing these questions require intentionality and allow the other individual to see how much you care about them.
Validate their experience.
Remember that it can be very hard to hear someone share about their heavy emotions and difficult experiences. During these conversations the best way to respond is by leading with validation. Reminding them that their feelings are valid and that they are not alone. Try to avoid minimizing their experience or offering a “quick fix” for their complex feelings. Conversations about suicide can create a sense of panic, causing the listener to feel like they need to jump into action, but this is not always necessary. Remain calm, continue to listen, and continue validating their feelings.
Provide resources.
There are a number of resources available for those experiencing thoughts of suicide. Passing these resources along or making a phone call alongside your loved one can be an important step. There is a crisis line available to call or text at 988, with a chatline available at 988lifeline.org. This crisis line provides 24/7 judgement free support for mental health, substance use, and more. For those within the LGBTQ+ community you can utilize The Trevor Project for a 24/7 crisis line that is completely confidential. Pass these crisis lines along to your loved one and encourage them to utilize them for support when feeling isolated or overwhelmed. If they are interested in therapy, offer to help them find a provider near them to begin their therapy journey.
If you are concerned about someone’s immediate safety, call your local mobile crisis unit, take them to the local mental health urgent care or emergency room, or call 911.
Follow up with them.
The first conversation is powerful, but ongoing support is just as important. Check in after some time has passed, ask how they’re feeling, whether they’ve connected with professional support, or simply remind them you’re there. Showing up consistently with encouragement and support can make a life-changing difference.
Reminder: You don’t need to have perfect words, you just need to show care, compassion, and stay present. Starting the conversation could be the first step toward hope and healing for someone who needs it most. While September is the month dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention, these strategies should be utilized anytime it feels necessary.