Suicide Prevention Strategies: How to Help Someone in Crisis and Save a Life

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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