Episode Details
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Suicide Prevention Strategies: How to Help Someone in Crisis and Save a Life
Description
In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Bridget and Terry continue their two-part series on suicide prevention with Dr. Barbara Moser, chair of Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee. They move beyond recognizing warning signs and risk factors to discuss what to do when someone says they are suicidal.
Dr. Moser emphasizes the importance of asking direct, compassionate questions, reducing access to lethal means, and staying present with the person in crisis. The conversation includes practical strategies for having tough but life-saving conversations, when to call 911, and why suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
Whether you’re supporting a loved one, a friend, or a colleague, this episode offers actionable steps, resources, and hope.
Link to Suicide Prevention Lifeline resource: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/
Primary Topics Covered:
- Common risk factors for suicide
- Why asking directly about suicide saves lives
- How to respond if someone says “yes” or “no” when asked about suicidal thoughts
- The importance of reducing access to lethal means (like firearms or medications)
- When to call 911 or go to the emergency room
- Why suicide prevention is a community responsibility
- Crisis resources everyone should have saved in their phone
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and suicide prevention series
01:14 - Risk factors that increase suicide risk
03:16 - Why asking directly about suicide reduces risk
04:00 - What to do if someone says they have suicidal thoughts
05:18 - Assessing suicide risk: plan, means, and timeline
06:30 - Gender differences in suicide attempts and deaths
07:02 - Removing lethal means and keeping someone safe
08:20 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and text resources
09:19 - Why you should never leave a suicidal person alone
10:12 - When and why to call 911 or go to the ER
12:12 - The acute crisis period and possibility of recovery
13:01 - Why cries for help should always be taken seriously
13:57 - Never promising secrecy and asking questions without judgment
14:18 - Trusting instincts, staying close, and keeping the conversation alive
15:26 - Closing thoughts and continuing the series on teen depression and suicide
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