Let’s work together to shrink the number of people who “become a memory in a matter of seconds”

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

(RESOURCES: If you are in the U.S., you can give them the number to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800.273.8255) or the Crisis Text Line (741-741). You also can show them the SpeakingOfSuicide.com Resources page, which lists other resources in the U.S. and worldwide to receive help by phone, email, text, or online chat).

I have been blessed to have survived two situations where I was in so much pain that I had detailed suicidal ideations and would have died by suicide had it not been for the fortuitous intervention of loving people.

My ex-wife very nearly died by suicide twice in her life. And I was the one who found her the second time.

I have lost two loved ones to suicide.

Please remember to check in on your “strong friends” and be kind to people you meet. Brain pain is excruciating and is, unfortunately, often invisible.

From Speaking of Suicide, here are 10 things to say to someone who is suicidal:

1. “I’m so glad you told me that you’re thinking of suicide.”

2. “I’m sad you’re hurting like this.”

3. “What’s going on that makes you want to die?”

4. “When do you think you’ll act on your suicidal thoughts?”

5. “What ways do you think of killing yourself?”

6. “Do you have access to a gun?”

7. “Help is available.”

8. “What can I do to help?”

9. “I care about you, and I would be so sad if you died by suicide.”

10. “I hope you’ll keep talking to me about your thoughts of suicide.”

Suicide is a worldwide epidemic, at 1 million per year. Including 44,965 in the US.

Let’s work together to shrink the number of people who “become a memory in a matter of seconds.”