SUICIDE AWARENESS … STARTING THE CONVERSATION

If somebody who is always around suddenly disappears, check on them. If their social media posts suddenly become darker, check on them. If an elder becomes more isolated, check on them. If a young person does not seem like themselves, check on them.

Sometimes a simple, “How are you really doing?” can matter more than we know.

We also have to make it easier for people to ask for help. Shame, fear, bad past experiences with health care, and the idea that asking for help is weak can stop people from speaking up.

But asking for help is part of staying alive.