Said no one. Ever.
Maybe some small percentage of people saw a suicide of a friend or family member coming. I’ve not yet met that person though. And I’ve talked to hundreds. I am sure they are out there. But they aren’t the majority.
Most of the parents and people I talk with post suicide are shocked. Bewildered and left with questions they’ll probably never get answers to.
He was such a great guy!
She was such a fantastic athlete.
Kindest person I ever knew.
Cared so much for others.
He was so talented.
She had everything going for her.
His grades were so good.
She was a beautiful girl.
She just had a baby!
He just got out of rehab and never looked better.
The outside does not reveal what goes on on the inside. You have to have your radar up and when it pings, you need to stop and listen to your gut.
Stop what you’re doing. Ask questions. Listen. The more educated we are, the better our chances of preventing suicide.
What is the ‘wrong’ thing to say to someone thinking of suicide?
Thank you Anne Moss for your kind words.💜
As my sister said when my son took his life, we were all shocked but not necessarily surprised. His previous threats of suicide were always acknowledged & addressed. I think his final, desperate act was very impulsive brought on by our attempts to force him back into treatment.
I think it’s hard in our society now to get any kind of continuity of care for mental health. I think you did the best you could given the resources available and what we are allowed to do for another adult.