09/10/2026
๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐: ๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ธ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ
Today, September 10, is World Su***de Prevention Day. Here is the conversation most people are terrified to have, and the one that matters most.
The biggest myth I hear in session is that asking someone about su***de might give them the idea, or make things worse. It does the opposite. Being asked directly, by someone who is not panicking, is often the first time a person feels safe enough to say the truth.
How to ask:
โข Be direct and calm: "I've noticed you haven't seemed like yourself. Are you having thoughts of su***de?"
โข Do not soften it into something vague like "you're not thinking of doing anything silly, are you?"
โข Pick a private, unhurried moment, not a rushed one
How to respond to the answer:
1) If they say yes, thank them for telling you. That took something.
2) Do not try to fix it in one conversation. Your job is to help them get to support, not solve it yourself.
3) Ask if they have a plan. If they do, or if you are worried about immediate safety, stay with them and call 988 or 911 together.
4) If they say no, still tell them you are glad you asked and that you are available if that changes.
You do not need special training to ask the question. You need the willingness to hear whatever answer comes back.
Save this before you need it, not during.
๐ Licensed in NJ, NY & FL โ teletherapy available.
๐ To make an appointment today, email [email protected], call (201) 290-5550 or visit my website.
***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention #988
