Ask them about suicide, if you love them, you want to know..

Ask them, ‘Have you ever thought about committing suicide?” With the passing of Junior Seau, I have been thinking about the topic of suicide. Suicide is a topic that many of us consider taboo. We may think our loved ones may have considered it, but we are afraid to ask. Many think that by bringing it up we are ‘putting it in their heads’. This could not be further from the truth! If you think your loved one has been depressed, sad, not sleeping, changed their routine, etc, sit them down and ask them about how they are feeling. You can also ask, “Have you ever thought about committing suicide?”. You want to discuss if they have a means (“If you were to do it, how would you do it?”) and a plan (“Have you thought this through? When would you do it and where?). Many of us are afraid of having a conversation like this. Don’t get angry with the person if they say they have been thinking about it. You want to maintain an open line of communication and encourage them to come to you when they have these thoughts. If they do tell you they are feeling this way, immediately call a therapist. If you feel your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.