How to Help Someone Considering Suicide: Connection, Hope, and Recovery Stories

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, David Woods Bartley shares his powerful story of surviving a suicide attempt and finding healing through connection. He explains how small acts of curiosity, recognition, and expression can create hope — and why connection is one of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention.

David’s journey takes us from the edge of a bridge to a life filled with purpose, self-care, and advocacy. He shows how asking the right questions, listening without judgment, and building trust can literally save lives.

Listeners will learn practical ways to support loved ones who are struggling, reframe their own self-care, and understand why connection is the cornerstone of recovery.

Link to David Woods Bartley's website: https://www.davidwoodsbartley.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why connection is central to suicide prevention
• David’s personal story of surviving a suicide attempt
• The toxic “voice of depression” and how it speaks the same lies to many people
• How curiosity, recognition, and authentic expression create hope
• Lessons from working with animals as metaphors for understanding human behavior
• The role of first responders and compassionate questioning in crisis
• Building a daily self-care practice (sleep, nutrition, exercise, therapy, spirituality)
• Reframing dark anniversaries into days of gratitude and growth

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and podcast
 01:00 – International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day explained
 01:30 – Dr. John Draper on suicide prevention and connection
 02:00 – Introducing guest David Woods Bartley
 02:20 – David’s unique background and use of animal stories for teaching
 03:00 – The deer story and lessons about misunderstanding behavior
 04:20 – Connection as curiosity, recognition, and expression
 05:15 – Why expressing appreciation is life-saving
 07:00 – David shares his suicide attempt story on the bridge
 08:00 – A first responder’s life-saving questions
 09:00 – Discovering “positive doubt” and stepping back from the edge
 10:20 – Lessons learned in recovery and importance of daily self-care
 11:30 – Redefining August 31st as his “New Year’s Day” of gratitude
 12:30 – Reflections on how connection creates hope and saves lives
 14:20 – Closing thoughts and invitation to join the community

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/