How to Prevent Suicide: Recognizing the Signs and Offering Support

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet conversations about it remain silenced by stigma. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we begin a two-part series on suicide prevention with Dr. Barbara Moser, chair of the Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee Coalition.

Dr. Moser joins hosts Bridget and Terry to explain the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors related to suicide—and why direct, honest conversations can save lives.

Listeners will learn how to recognize emotional suffering, what to say when they’re worried about someone, and why it’s crucial to treat suicide as a serious, life-threatening health issue. This episode is both practical and deeply compassionate, equipping us all with the tools to start lifesaving conversations.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why suicide prevention must be approached with compassion and candor
• Recognizing warning signs and risk factors for suicide
• How protective factors and reasons for living can reduce risk
• The importance of asking direct questions about suicide
• How to offer support to someone struggling with suicidal thoughts
• Understanding suicide as a life-threatening illness
• Why ongoing check-ins and presence matter more than perfect words

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and episode overview
 00:27 – Suicide Prevention Month and why this matters
 01:18 – Meet Dr. Barbara Moser
 02:01 – Is suicide truly preventable?
 04:29 – Supporting those who’ve lost someone to suicide
 05:58 – First steps if you’re concerned about someone
 06:59 – Why asking directly about suicide is lifesaving
 07:52 – Recognizing suicide warning signs
 08:47 – Following up: why one conversation isn’t enough
 10:32 – Suicide as a life-threatening illness
 11:04 – Identifying emotional suffering in others
 11:40 – Compassion, candor, and presence in tough moments
 12:23 – Protective factors and reasons for living
 13:12 – Why shifting focus to hope matters
 13:25 – Preview of part two in the series
 14:09 – Closing message and resources

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