Ask the Question

My heart is heavy this morning; suicides continue to escalate across the country. Not only has our small community been touched in the past week, but another small town near and dear to my heart in Montana has experienced 5 suicides in the past 4 weeks. In order to prevent suicide loss, it is going to take all of us. This is not a job left to the professionals — everyone is needed.

If someone you know or suspect is thinking of killing themselves, I urge you to ask the question — “Are you thinking about suicide?” It is awkward. I have asked hundreds of times and I still get nervous to ask, but it is necessary. How can we help if we are unaware? Most people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts will be relieved someone asked. They feel as though a burden has started to lift now that someone else knows, If the answer is yes, the next task is to convince them to get help. If what they are doing isn’t working, try something else. There are resources available. Ensure the person you are going to fight with them to find help. Tell them they are not alone, but you are in it with them. Then follow through — connect them to resources in your community.

If you don’t know what to do, call 988. This is the national crisis hotline and someone can advise you what to do next. The key is to offer hope. As long as God is on the throne, there is hope!

My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends who are grieving. If you know someone who is grieving a suicide loss, let them know how much you care. There are no words to heal the pain, but your presence can help make it more bearable.