There’s nothing more concerning than the worry that someone you care about may be suicidal. And yet, suicide is a much more common crisis than many of us imagine. Worldwide, a person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. In the United States, the latest data shows the suicide rate to be at a 30-year-high, having increased by 24 percent in 15 years. In a given lifetime, all of us will encounter someone in the grip of a suicidal crisis. From the person showing visible distress in a public space to, a friend who is struggling to cope with a break-up, to a close family member facing financial hardship, they need us to be there and show we care. That is why it’s so important to know what you can do to help.
In this free Webinar, suicidologist Dr. Lisa Firestone will outline steps we can all take to reach out and help someone who may be suicidal. She will talk about the warning signs of suicide as well as the helper tasks that can save a life. In addition, Dr. Firestone will shed light on what goes on in the mind of someone who is experiencing self-destructive thoughts and will explain steps people can take to stand up to this “critical inner voice” that drives the suicidal state. While it can feel scary to talk about suicide, we must not hesitate to be the one to reach out when someone is in crisis. The suicidal state is almost always transient and temporary. If we can connect with someone when they are in crisis, we can truly help save lives.
Length: 60 Minutes
