Asking for help
I had an interesting conversation tonight with a friend's son. His girlfriend's mom had a serious suicide attempt a few days ago and is still hospitalized. He wanted to know what to say to his girlfriend and how to be supportive. I was so impressed that he was being so thoughtful and pro-active. It's such a tough subject and most of us would just as soon not discuss it. However, the best way to prevent suicide is to be open and to ask the tough questions. I'll always wish that I would have known to ask David more than "are you ok".
I'll never know how he might have answered more probing questions or if I might have been able to pick up on his depression and suicidal thoughts. Losing my 21 year old son to suicide has been the most difficult experience of my life. I expect to grieve that loss for the rest of my life. It does get easier with time; it doesn't get easy.
Asking someone if they're having suicidal thoughts or a plan will not make that person be suicidal or more suicidal. It simply makes it ok for them to be honest and to potentially get help for them. You may save a life by being pro-active and asking probing questions.
Another way to help is to get involved with suicide prevention groups/efforts. If you're in Denver, come to the Second Wind Walk/Run/Ride on Sunday, September 21. Second Wind provides mental health counseling to youth 19 and under who are at-risk for suicide and uninsured or under-insured. Last year we had 500 referrals; we're expecting another 500 during this school year. For more information, go to www.thesecondwindfund.org.
Take care,
Mary Wylie
David's (and Sarah's!) mom
I'll never know how he might have answered more probing questions or if I might have been able to pick up on his depression and suicidal thoughts. Losing my 21 year old son to suicide has been the most difficult experience of my life. I expect to grieve that loss for the rest of my life. It does get easier with time; it doesn't get easy.
Asking someone if they're having suicidal thoughts or a plan will not make that person be suicidal or more suicidal. It simply makes it ok for them to be honest and to potentially get help for them. You may save a life by being pro-active and asking probing questions.
Another way to help is to get involved with suicide prevention groups/efforts. If you're in Denver, come to the Second Wind Walk/Run/Ride on Sunday, September 21. Second Wind provides mental health counseling to youth 19 and under who are at-risk for suicide and uninsured or under-insured. Last year we had 500 referrals; we're expecting another 500 during this school year. For more information, go to www.thesecondwindfund.org.
Take care,
Mary Wylie
David's (and Sarah's!) mom