Suicide prevention. Those two words can provoke an instant catch in your throat and the sudden urge to change the subject. It’s just too big a topic. Too scary. Too high stakes.
And that’s partly because we think of it as stepping into a dangerous situation at the last possible moment to stop a fatal act.
But suicide prevention is a million caring acts way before a person is in physical danger.
It’s following up, “How are you?” with eye contact and a second question. Asking, “Really?” when they answer “fine,” even though they don’t seem fine.
It’s noticing your friend or sibling or co-worker is just… different. Not “themselves.” And taking the time to acknowledge that. You don’t have to get all up in their business. You can simply say,
Suicide prevention. Those two words can provoke an instant catch in your throat and the sudden urge to change the subject. It’s just too big a topic. Too scary. Too high stakes.
