Suicide Prevention Tips: Warning Signs, Risk Factors, and How to Help

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and in this special episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we begin a two-part series dedicated to one of the most urgent mental health topics of our time: suicide prevention.

Dr. Barbara Moser, a family physician and chair of the Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee Coalition, joins Bridget and Terry to discuss what suicide prevention really means, how to recognize risk factors and warning signs, and the importance of asking direct questions when we’re worried about someone.

Listeners will hear practical, compassionate advice on how to approach these conversations, the importance of protective factors, and how we can all take steps to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.

This conversation is filled with insight, empathy, and actionable strategies that can make a real difference in saving lives.

Link to Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why suicide prevention is a complex but essential discussion
• The importance of asking direct questions about suicidal thoughts
• Common warning signs and risk factors of suicide
• The role of protective factors and reasons for living
• How to support someone who may be struggling
• Breaking stigma and treating suicide as a life-threatening illness

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and hosts
 00:27 – Why suicide prevention month matters
 01:18 – Introducing Dr. Barbara Moser
 02:01 – Is suicide preventable?
 04:29 – Supporting those who’ve lost someone to suicide
 05:58 – How to help if someone may be suicidal
 06:59 – The importance of asking directly about suicide
 07:52 – Recognizing warning signs of suicide
 08:47 – Following up and having ongoing conversations
 10:32 – Suicide as a life-threatening illness
 11:04 – Recognizing emotional suffering in others
 11:40 – Compassion, candor, and presence in tough conversations
 12:23 – Protective factors and reasons for living
 13:12 – Shifting focus toward hope and positive connections
 13:25 – Looking ahead to part two of the series
 14:09 – Closing message and call to action

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