{"id":35361,"date":"2021-01-17T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-17T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.staging4.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=35361"},"modified":"2021-12-12T21:28:18","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T02:28:18","slug":"therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Professional Therapists Share Their Thoughts on Suicide Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#The_Prevalence_and_Scope_of_Suicide\" title=\"The Prevalence and Scope of Suicide\">The Prevalence and Scope of Suicide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Therapists_Share_Their_Thoughts_on_Suicide_and_Its_Effects_on_Survivors\" title=\"Therapists Share Their Thoughts on Suicide and It\u2019s Effects on Survivors\">Therapists Share Their Thoughts on Suicide and It\u2019s Effects on Survivors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Inside_The_Mind_of_A_Person_Struggling_With_Suicidality\" title=\"Inside The Mind of A Person Struggling With Suicidality\">Inside The Mind of A Person Struggling With Suicidality<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Dr_David_Pfaff_PhD_LPC_%E2%80%93_Licensed_Professional_Counselor\" title=\"Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC &#8211; Licensed Professional Counselor\">Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC &#8211; Licensed Professional Counselor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Dr_Mark_Rego_MD_%E2%80%93_Psychiatrist_at_Yale_University\" title=\"Dr. Mark Rego, M.D. &#8211; Psychiatrist at Yale University\">Dr. Mark Rego, M.D. &#8211; Psychiatrist at Yale University<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Elaine_Hixon-Weiss_LPC_Associate_Clinical_Director_for_Sierra_Tucson\" title=\"Elaine Hixon-Weiss, LPC, Associate Clinical Director for Sierra Tucson\">Elaine Hixon-Weiss, LPC, Associate Clinical Director for Sierra Tucson<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Jason_Drake_LCSW-S_Owner_and_Lead_Clinician_at_Katy_Teen_Family_Counseling\" title=\"Jason Drake, LCSW-S, Owner and Lead Clinician at Katy Teen &amp; Family Counseling\">Jason Drake, LCSW-S, Owner and Lead Clinician at Katy Teen &amp; Family Counseling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Shari_Botwin_LCSW_Author_of_Thriving_After_Trauma_Stories_of_Living_and_Healing\" title=\"Shari Botwin, LCSW, Author of Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing\">Shari Botwin, LCSW, Author of Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Arien_Conner_LCSW_of_Clear_Path_LLC\" title=\"Arien Conner, LCSW, of Clear Path, LLC\">Arien Conner, LCSW, of Clear Path, LLC<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#William_Schroeder_LPC_Co-Director_of_Just_Mind_Counseling\" title=\"William Schroeder, LPC, Co-Director of Just Mind Counseling\">William Schroeder, LPC, Co-Director of Just Mind Counseling<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#The_Co-Morbidity_of_Major_Depression_and_Suicide\" title=\"The Co-Morbidity of Major Depression and Suicide\">The Co-Morbidity of Major Depression and Suicide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Therapists_Share_Their_Thoughts_on_Suicide_Prevention\" title=\"Therapists Share Their Thoughts on Suicide Prevention\">Therapists Share Their Thoughts on Suicide Prevention<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Thoughts_On_The_Role_of_Parents_and_Family\" title=\"Thoughts On The Role of Parents and Family\">Thoughts On The Role of Parents and Family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Thoughts_on_Suicide_As_Depicted_In_Popular_Media\" title=\"Thoughts on Suicide As Depicted In Popular Media\">Thoughts on Suicide As Depicted In Popular Media<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Thoughts_on_Suicide_Prevention_In_Schools\" title=\"Thoughts on Suicide Prevention In Schools\">Thoughts on Suicide Prevention In Schools<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#What_We_Can_Do_To_Prevent_Suicide\" title=\"What We Can Do To Prevent Suicide\">What We Can Do To Prevent Suicide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Final_Thoughts_on_Suicide_Awareness\" title=\"Final Thoughts on Suicide Awareness\">Final Thoughts on Suicide Awareness<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#Suicide_Resources\" title=\"Suicide Resources\">Suicide Resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#The_Experts\" title=\"The Experts\">The Experts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>In the war for suicide prevention, mental health professionals have served on the frontlines for decades.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In hospitals, treatment facilities, and in private practice, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists routinely deal with patients who struggle with suicidality, which the <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.apa.org\/suicidality\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Psychological Association<\/a> defines \u201cthe risk of suicide, usually indicated by suicidal ideation or intent, especially as evident in the presence of a well-elaborated suicidal plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide.jpg\" alt=\"20 therapists share their thoughts on suicide\" class=\"wp-image-35530 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide.jpg\" alt=\"20 therapists share their thoughts on suicide\" class=\"wp-image-35530 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide-83x125.jpg 83w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/20-therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>20 Therapists Share Their Thoughts On Suicide<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these patients have attempted suicide in the past. Many more struggle with suicidal ideation daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, it is important to hear what these therapists have to say.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To write this post, I interviewed psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists from across America, from California to Connecticut, from Arizona to Illinois.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They shared their thoughts on suicide and suicide prevention to provide their perspective and to spread awareness, not solely on the tragedy of suicide but also about the treatability of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Prevalence_and_Scope_of_Suicide\"><\/span><strong>The Prevalence and Scope of Suicide<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, suicide is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/suicide.shtml#:~:text=Suicide%20was%20the%20tenth%20leading,ages%20of%2035%20and%2054.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2nd leading cause of death<\/a> among those aged 10 to 34.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2018, <a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">48,344 Americans died by suicide<\/a>. An additional 1.4 million made suicide attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are American, chances are someone you love has struggled with suicidal thoughts, attempted or died by suicide, or known someone who has.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The number of suicides and suicide attempts annually in America has risen steadily over the past decade. In 90% of these cases, the individual had a diagnosable (but treatable) mental illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chief among these is depression, an insidious and dangerous disorder that affects more than 20 million Americans annually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The COVID-19 Pandemic, of course, has made matters worse. Massive layoffs, school closures, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and economic instability have triggered an alarming increase in mental illnesses that strongly correlate with suicidality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Study warns coronavirus pandemic could lead to 75,000 U.S. &quot;deaths of despair&quot;\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NZiLSPCHwdM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Study warns coronavirus pandemic could lead to 75,000 U.S. &#8220;deaths of despair.&#8221; Courtesy, YouTube.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In June 2020, the Centers For Disease Control <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/69\/wr\/mm6932a1.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">conducted a survey<\/a> in which they compared the rates of substance abuse and other mental health conditions during the first quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2019. The results of their findings are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The prevalence of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/anxiety-and-addiction-symptoms-and-treatment\/\">symptoms of anxiety<\/a> disorder was approximately three times those reported in the second quarter of 2019 (25.5% versus 8.1%)<\/li><li>The prevalence of depressive disorder was approximately four times that reported in the second quarter of 2019 (24.3% versus 6.5%)<\/li><li>Approximately one quarter of respondents reported symptoms of a trauma or stress-related disorder (TSRD) related to the pandemic<\/li><li>&nbsp;Approximately one in 10 reported they started or increased substance use due to COVID-19.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Approximately twice as many respondents reported serious consideration of suicide in the previous 30 days than did adults in the United States in 2018 (10.7% versus 4.3%)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As this post was written in January 2021, we do not yet know what long-term effects COVID-19 will have on suicide rates in the United States, but the data collected so far is worrisome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even before the Pandemic, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. More people die by suicide than from opioid overdoses, auto accidents and homicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Homicide<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">18,830<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Auto accidents<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">36,835<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Opioid-related overdoses<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">46,802<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/suicide-in-the-united-states\/\">Suicide<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">48,344<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>Number of Deaths in 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSuicide is unquestionably an epidemic that does not discriminate by age, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual identity,\u201d says Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC, a psychotherapist in Oklahoma City. \u201cIt is also highly stigmatized and misunderstood. We do not talk about suicide enough publicly and all too often when we do, we spread myths and negative stereotypes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But facts and figures only tell part of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The true cost of suicide is impossible to measure. Loss, heartache, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/healthy-ways-to-cope-with-grief\/\">grief<\/a> cannot be quantified or graphed. Often, they can only be experienced and endured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/In-America-4-out-of-5-suicides-are-men..jpg\" alt=\"In America, 4 out of 5 suicides are men. Stigmas and stereotypes about masculinity make it harder for men to get the help they need.\" class=\"wp-image-35551 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/In-America-4-out-of-5-suicides-are-men..jpg\" alt=\"In America, 4 out of 5 suicides are men. Stigmas and stereotypes about masculinity make it harder for men to get the help they need.\" class=\"wp-image-35551 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/In-America-4-out-of-5-suicides-are-men..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/In-America-4-out-of-5-suicides-are-men.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/In-America-4-out-of-5-suicides-are-men.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/In-America-4-out-of-5-suicides-are-men.-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Tasha Holland-Kornegay, PhD, LCMHC<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Therapists_Share_Their_Thoughts_on_Suicide_and_Its_Effects_on_Survivors\"><\/span>Therapists Share Their Thoughts on Suicide and It\u2019s Effects on Survivors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide is devastating on many levels. When a person feels like they have no other option, suicide can seem like the only way to avoid more pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet the tragedy of suicide is rarely limited to one individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFamily members who have died by suicide increase a person&#8217;s risk level for suicide,\u201d says Elaine Hixson-Weiss, MC, LPC, the Associate Clinical Director of the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\" title=\"mental health\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">mental health<\/a> facility Sierra Tucson.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, loved ones often struggle with complicated grief. As William Schroeder, LPC, the Co-Director of <a href=\"https:\/\/justmind.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Just Mind Counseling<\/a> notes, suicide \u201cleaves a lack of closure that can easily feel like a curse to the survivor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shocking nature of the act tears families apart and can trigger a host of mental illnesses in individuals, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the loved ones of a person who has died by suicide, says therapist Rita Richards, LCSW, \u201cLetting go after suicide is nearly impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, the ripple effect of suicide can last for generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In interviews with more than two dozen mental health professionals, most of them emphasized the negative consequences of suicide with respect to family, friends, and loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therapists are often the first ones to learn of a patient&#8217;s struggles with suicidality. Collectively, they deal with the fallout of suicide more than anyone should ever have to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI always say to my patients who think about suicide that they need to know that they are cursing their loved ones for their entire lives,\u201d says Dr. Mark Rego, MD, a psychiatrist at Yale University School of Medicine. \u201cThey will never get over it. People make progress, but they never fully recover.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often, loved ones are left to struggle with questions about which they will never get answers. \u201cIt affects them because the \u2018why\u2019 question never goes away,\u201d&nbsp; notes Dr. Jerry Opthof, PsyD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSuicide is often so charged that people have a hard time processing it and thus they avoid doing so,\u201d says Schroeder. They never address the trauma, the effects of which then get passed on to their kids. This can lead to greater incidence of substance use, eating disorders, and problems in <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\/\" title=\"relationships\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">relationships<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children, too, have a difficult time coping with the after effects of suicide, especially when one of their parents has died by suicide. As psychologist Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD points out: \u201cChildren do not have the adult understanding and knowledge that help adults cope.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of age, the loss of a loved one to suicide is devastating. Family members frequently report strong feelings of guilt and despair. According to therapist Shari Botwin, LCSW, author of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/39HNYFu\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing<\/a><\/em> \u201cMany loved ones will say \u2018I should have known,\u2019 or \u2018What if it was my fault?\u2019 or \u2018How could he\/she leave me like this?\u2019&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mixed-in-with-sadness-about-losing-ones-loved-one-are-other-emotions-like-guilt-and-anger..jpg\" alt=\"Mixed in with sadness about losing one's loved one are other emotions like guilt and anger. Intellectually we understand that the other person was suffering and didn't want to be in pain anymore, yet inside we\" class=\"wp-image-35550 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mixed-in-with-sadness-about-losing-ones-loved-one-are-other-emotions-like-guilt-and-anger..jpg\" alt=\"Mixed in with sadness about losing one's loved one are other emotions like guilt and anger. Intellectually we understand that the other person was suffering and didn't want to be in pain anymore, yet inside we\" class=\"wp-image-35550 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mixed-in-with-sadness-about-losing-ones-loved-one-are-other-emotions-like-guilt-and-anger..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mixed-in-with-sadness-about-losing-ones-loved-one-are-other-emotions-like-guilt-and-anger.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mixed-in-with-sadness-about-losing-ones-loved-one-are-other-emotions-like-guilt-and-anger.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mixed-in-with-sadness-about-losing-ones-loved-one-are-other-emotions-like-guilt-and-anger.-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inside_The_Mind_of_A_Person_Struggling_With_Suicidality\"><\/span>Inside The Mind of A Person Struggling With Suicidality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For most of us, suicide is a subject shrouded in mystery. People who have never struggled with mental illness have a particularly hard time understanding why anyone would want to take their own life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To complicate matters, on the rare occasion news media outlets cover a suicide, it is often a celebrity. Anthony Bourdain comes to mind, as do Margot Kidder and Robin Williams.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of us cannot help but wonder why these people chose to die by suicide. They had money. They had fame. They had so much to live for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while those statements may be true, suicide is almost never about reality. It is about a skewed perception of reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Impulsivity and rapid onset of suicidality are often factors. Sometimes, suicide happens with almost no warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSome people kill themselves with no known history of psychiatric problems,\u201d notes Dr. Mark Rego, M.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who die by suicide, we will never know what happened. We rarely know their motivations. We rarely understand their thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what we can do is read the words of mental health professionals who specialize in trauma and who have worked with hundreds of suicidal patients over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this section, therapists respond to the question &#8211; what goes on in the mind of a suicidal patient?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dr_David_Pfaff_PhD_LPC_%E2%80%93_Licensed_Professional_Counselor\"><\/span>Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC &#8211; Licensed Professional Counselor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide is a universal part of the human condition. I would argue that every adult on this earth has had a suicidal thought. And these thoughts scare the hell out of us, so we do not talk about it out of fear of what we think about ourselves and what others would think of us for having those thoughts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But part of what makes suicide part of the universal human condition is it is not being crazy, messed up, screwed, up or any of the other negative and stigmatizing terms that get thrown around. It is because human beings are wired, like all other beings, to avoid or remedy our pain. Suicide is a way to do that.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Someone experiencing suicidality is not crazy. They are in overwhelming and blinding emotional pain. Moreover, the pain is often not something that you can see, or even understand. You just know you want it to stop.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide begins to make sense as a coping mechanism to make this pain end. What is more, this pain often comes with negative self-narratives and depression. Thoughts become less clear, confusing, and muddied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The person begins to believe that the world would truly be a better place without them. They see themselves as a burden and, at times, selfish for not relieving the world of this burden.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In essence, suicidal thoughts are like blinders that limit our view of the world and ourselves. We begin to get tunnel vision and fixated, all the while our field of vision is skewed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People may tell them that they are selfish, a sinner, or going to Hell, but what they do not realize is the person may already believe this, and those comments only cement their negative beliefs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dr_Mark_Rego_MD_%E2%80%93_Psychiatrist_at_Yale_University\"><\/span>Dr. Mark Rego, M.D. &#8211; Psychiatrist at Yale University<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although many people commit suicide, it is uncommon compared to the number of people who <em>feel <\/em>suicidal. I know of no number to put on this except to say that over 25 years I spoke to patients about it daily. Women both feel suicidal and make suicide attempts more than men, but men die more from suicide because their attempts are more violent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next come more active thoughts. These are actual thoughts about wanting not just to die but to kill yourself. It begins with just that thought, \u2018I want to kill myself,\u201d and goes up into plans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a patient thinks her family will be better off without her, she has passed a dangerous threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depression is usually the reason for suicidal thoughts. But almost any psychiatric condition can bring them on.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide is not a response to mental pain as often thought. It is a psychiatric condition in itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many patients have told me that they can feel worse after a break up or job loss than when they were suicidal (and conversely, feel suicidal at the initial stages of a depression). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So feeling &#8216;very bad&#8217; is not the reason for suicide as people feel &#8216;very bad&#8217; all the time and never give a thought to suicide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Elaine_Hixon-Weiss_LPC_Associate_Clinical_Director_for_Sierra_Tucson\"><\/span>Elaine Hixon-Weiss, LPC, Associate Clinical Director for Sierra Tucson<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people do not want to die yet are not sure how to continue living with the amount of pain and suffering they are experiencing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is hard to help a person in so much emotional pain and turmoil to consider that this feeling will pass with some time as they are feeling so much that it does not seem bearable for even another moment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jason_Drake_LCSW-S_Owner_and_Lead_Clinician_at_Katy_Teen_Family_Counseling\"><\/span>Jason Drake, LCSW-S, Owner and Lead Clinician at Katy Teen &amp; Family Counseling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who commit suicide do not want to die. They are searching for a way to live and a way to live without the pain of depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many who suicide have tried repeatedly to get help without success for one reason or another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide is the last option in their mind to make the pain go away.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shari_Botwin_LCSW_Author_of_Thriving_After_Trauma_Stories_of_Living_and_Healing\"><\/span>Shari Botwin, LCSW, Author of <em>Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually people who contemplate suicide feel trapped. They feel hopeless and are unable to describe their feelings. Many feel like it is the only option.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They do not see hope and usually feel disconnected. They think things like \u201cno one understands.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people with suicidal tendencies have a history of earlier trauma. Suicidal tendencies are a symptom that manifests as a result of flashbacks or memories from abuse or sexual assault or tragic losses they suffered earlier in life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arien_Conner_LCSW_of_Clear_Path_LLC\"><\/span>Arien Conner, LCSW, of Clear Path, LLC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While people who die by suicide have traumatic events in their past, many do not.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People who commit suicide are struggling with something internally that they can&#8217;t accept and\/or don&#8217;t see a way out of. They feel stuck in a dark, lonely place that they are probably struggling to put into words and talk with others about.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They struggle to find hope or see any possibility of a different outcome in the future. They often think of themselves as a burden, and they don&#8217;t want to be that or feel that way anymore. This contributes to the secrecy of suicidal thoughts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"William_Schroeder_LPC_Co-Director_of_Just_Mind_Counseling\"><\/span>William Schroeder, LPC, Co-Director of Just Mind Counseling<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What goes on in the mind of a suicidal person varies, but it&#8217;s often feeling pretty boxed in. Often this isn&#8217;t the reality, but it&#8217;s how they feel. Sometimes this is due to gender or sexuality and people have fear of the repercussions of the path forward and reactions or the reality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clients with bipolar or complex trauma may also encounter times when they are suicidal. Bipolar is challenging due to the crushing depression that clients can face, but the right medication and treatment regimen can go a long way to prevent and alleviate suffering.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s hard when people are in the throes of those difficult moments, though, as they may last some time and can be accompanied by job loss, insurance loss, and\/or loss of other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/benefits-of-an-emotional-support-dog\/\">emotional support<\/a> mechanisms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Complex trauma, like someone who was repeatedly abused as a child, can similarly bring about similar bouts of depression or suicidality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news here is that sometimes the suffering can be so challenging that people try something new &#8211; a new <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/therapy\/\" title=\"therapy\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">therapy<\/a>, treatment, medication, support group, etc. Complex trauma is challenging and can take time to undo, but it also can shift and resolve over time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Co-Morbidity_of_Major_Depression_and_Suicide\"><\/span>The Co-Morbidity of Major Depression and Suicide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicidality is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/dmdd-in-children\/\">often a co-morbid feature of Mood Disorders<\/a>, including Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you ask a therapist about their thoughts on suicide, the discussion invariably turns to Major Depressive Disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many, if not most, people with depression have some suicidal thoughts,\u201d notes Dr. Mark Rego, M.D. \u201cThere is a range of what we call suicidal ideation. This is having thoughts like \u201cI\u2019d be better off dead,\u201d or \u201clife is too hard, I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depression is incredibly common. Yearly, some 17.3 million adults and 3.2 million adolescents aged 12-17 struggle with at least one major depressive episode. This, according to research published by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/major-depression.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Institute of Mental Health<\/a> (NIMH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK519712\/table\/ch3.t5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder<\/a>, at least 5 of the following criteria must be present for at least two weeks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><li>Depressed mood\u2014indicated by subjective report or observation by others (in children and adolescents, can be irritable mood)<\/li><li>Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities\u2014indicated by subjective report or observation by others.<\/li><li>Significant (more than 5 percent in a month) unintentional weight loss\/gain or decrease\/increase in appetite (in children, failure to make expected weight gains).<\/li><li>Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia).<\/li><li>Psychomotor changes (agitation or retardation) severe enough to be observable by others.<\/li><li>Tiredness, fatigue, or low energy, or decreased efficiency with which routine tasks are completed.<\/li><li>A sense of worthlessness or excessive, inappropriate, or delusional guilt (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick).<\/li><li>Impaired ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions\u2014indicated by subjective report or observation by others.<\/li><li>Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: If you believe you struggle with depression, it is important that you see a licensed mental health professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While most people who struggle with depression never attempt suicide, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/answers\/mental-health-and-substance-abuse\/does-depression-increase-risk-of-suicide\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">60% of people who die by suicide<\/a> had a diagnosable mood disorder. Chief among these is depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many factors that contribute to a person becoming depressed,\u201d says Dr. Anjani Amladi, M.D., a Board Certified Psychiatrist. \u201cGenetics, psychology, brain chemistry, chronic medical conditions, pain, environmental circumstances, inadequate nutrition, etc. can have an impact on whether someone develops depression. The bottom line is that depression is not a choice.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Major Depressive Disorder is serious. It is pervasive, insidious, and potentially deadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you struggle with depression, you need to know that people can and do recover, but usually not on their own. \u201cMajor Depressive Disorder usually does not pass without professional support,\u201d says Jason Drake, LCSW-S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-common-misconception-is-that-people-with-depression-are-selfish..jpg\" alt=\"A common misconception is that people with depression are selfish. In reality, it\u2019s the opposite. People living with depression care deeply about other people. They experience guilt about being depressed, feel\" class=\"wp-image-35552 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-common-misconception-is-that-people-with-depression-are-selfish..jpg\" alt=\"A common misconception is that people with depression are selfish. In reality, it\u2019s the opposite. People living with depression care deeply about other people. They experience guilt about being depressed, feel\" class=\"wp-image-35552 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-common-misconception-is-that-people-with-depression-are-selfish..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-common-misconception-is-that-people-with-depression-are-selfish.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-common-misconception-is-that-people-with-depression-are-selfish.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/A-common-misconception-is-that-people-with-depression-are-selfish.-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Dr. Anjani Amladi, M.D.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Therapists_Share_Their_Thoughts_on_Suicide_Prevention\"><\/span>Therapists Share Their Thoughts on Suicide Prevention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Therapists are in a unique position to comment about matters related to suicide prevention. They deal with suicidality daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of support and awareness, they also know that far more can be done to prevent suicide, especially with adolescents and teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thoughts on suicide and suicide prevention vary by individual, but as with depression, common themes emerge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These include the role of family, portrayal of suicidality in popular media, and what schools (and the rest of us) can do to educate children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide prevention begins with suicide awareness. And an important part of suicide awareness is education about suicide and the mental illnesses that frequently co-occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thoughts_On_The_Role_of_Parents_and_Family\"><\/span>Thoughts On The Role of Parents and Family<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Fran Walfish, PsyD, a Psychotherapist and Author in Beverly Hills, CA, has worked with hundreds of children who struggle with suicidal thoughts and actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI have seen a rise in numbers of troubled teens who are cutters and dealing with suicidal thoughts, feelings, ideas, plans, and even attempts,\u201d she says. \u201cThe one common denominator shared by all kids and teens (and adults) who cut, contemplate or attempt suicide is they feel emotionally alone in their families. They feel there is no one person they can talk to about their pain who will listen, validate, understand, and be a safe, warmly attuned place for comfort.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents should take the threat of suicide seriously and implement a Personal Safety Plan that includes interventions that have worked in the past, warning signs, and&nbsp; contact information for crisis support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideally, families should serve as the first line of defense.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One way parents can help is by fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where children are encouraged to talk about their problems, no matter how severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Teen Suicide Prevention\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3BByqa7bhto?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Teen Suicide Prevention. Courtesy, Mayo Clinic.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents should talk openly not only about suicide, but about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/benefits-of-hypnotherapy\/\">mental health<\/a> as well, notes Dr. Jerry Opthof, PsyD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Julie Fanning, LCSW, also warns parents about acknowledging the reality of suicide and the dangers of making assumptions. \u201cFamily and friends shouldn\u2019t assume that because someone has lived through an attempt or has stopped talking about it that they are no longer thinking about it, she says. \u201cThe thoughts may not be forever, but they don\u2019t go away immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the parents of teenagers, recognizing depression and suicidal ideation is especially challenging.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTeens today are better able to hide symptoms of depression, says Jason Drake, LCSW-S. \u201cWhen most of their socializing is spent online, particularly during the pandemic, parents are not privy to verbal communication as they have been before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While so-called \u201cteen-angst,\u201d is common, parents should be wary of dismissing <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hard-lessons-about-fighting-depression\/\" title=\"clinical depression\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">clinical depression<\/a> as a byproduct of a developmental stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor parents,\u201d notes Drake, &#8220;it is important to err on the side of safety. If there is concern that their teen may be depressed, seeking help from a professional can make all the difference. Seeing their pediatrician or a therapist can help determine if it is depression or if it may be merely a phase.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He goes on to state that parents should normalize the subject of mental health beginning in elementary school. Doing so prepares kids to talk about things like depression and suicide when they become teenagers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best things a parent can do is educate themselves on depression and suicidality. \u201cParents who are not educated about depression and mental illness may not recognize that suicidal thoughts are a symptom of a deeper issue,\u201d says Shari Botwin, LCSW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-teen-years-are-typically-when-depression-and-other-mental-health-struggles-emerge..jpg\" alt=\"The teen years are typically when depression and other mental health struggles emerge.\" class=\"wp-image-35549 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-teen-years-are-typically-when-depression-and-other-mental-health-struggles-emerge..jpg\" alt=\"The teen years are typically when depression and other mental health struggles emerge.\" class=\"wp-image-35549 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-teen-years-are-typically-when-depression-and-other-mental-health-struggles-emerge..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-teen-years-are-typically-when-depression-and-other-mental-health-struggles-emerge.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-teen-years-are-typically-when-depression-and-other-mental-health-struggles-emerge.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/The-teen-years-are-typically-when-depression-and-other-mental-health-struggles-emerge.-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Jason Drake, LCSW-S<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thoughts_on_Suicide_As_Depicted_In_Popular_Media\"><\/span>Thoughts on Suicide As Depicted In Popular Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is nothing glamorous about suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, any time a controversial subject is portrayed in popular media, it runs the risk of glamorizing what it seeks to condemn.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1996, the movie <em>Trainspotting <\/em>portrayed the torture of heroin addiction; it ended up creating what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/wp-srv\/style\/longterm\/review96\/ftrainspotting.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Washington Post<\/a> dubbed \u201cA Menacing Allure.\u201d In 1998, Steven Spielberg\u2019s <em>Saving Private Ryan<\/em> tried to capture the horrors of 20th Century warfare; it ended up ushering in a wave of gory <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pastemagazine.com\/games\/call-of-duty-wwii\/defusing-d-day-how-call-of-duty-wwii-undermines-wh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">combat-related video games<\/a> and movies that are now an industry norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, television has tackled the topic of suicide. The results have been similar.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Netflix series <em>13 Reasons Why<\/em> is an excellent example. The show began in 2017 and has finished its fourth season.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the show, we are introduced to a character named Hannah. Before she dies by suicide, she leaves behind cassette tapes featuring 13 recordings, each focused on one person whose actions \u2014 or inaction \u2014 pushed her towards her decision. The series is based on a 2007 book by the same name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhelp.com\/blunttherapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofolow sponsored noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/betterhelp-iphone.jpg\" alt=\"betterhelp iphone\" class=\"wp-image-35436 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/betterhelp-iphone.jpg\" alt=\"betterhelp iphone\" class=\"wp-image-35436 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/betterhelp-iphone.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/betterhelp-iphone-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/betterhelp-iphone-400x209.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/betterhelp-iphone-150x79.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><figcaption>Private online therapy at an affordable rate. Get 10% off BetterHelp today.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The show is \u201ccompelling and entertaining,\u201d says Dr. Fran Walfish, PsyD. \u201cThere can be no argument, however, that the show is also disturbing and potentially dangerous for young people who are susceptible to sensitive viewing material.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She goes on to point out that \u201cmental health issues and their effects on teens are only minimally addressed in this show.\u201d Instead,\u201d she says, \u201cthe premise of the show is the idea that other teens \u2018caused\u2019 the main character\u2019s suicide. By downplaying the character\u2019s depression and lack of appropriate intervention, this show fails to address the complexity of mental illness.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shows like this exert enormous influence over their audiences, while demonstrating only a cursory understanding of the subject matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That may seem harsh, but so is the reality of irresponsible behavior on the part of television and film.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Case in point: a study published in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jaacap.org\/article\/S0890-8567(19)30288-6\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <em>Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry<\/em><\/a>, which reported a shocking 28.9% increase in suicide rates among U.S. youth ages 10-17 in the month of April 2017.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>13 Reasons Why<\/em> was released on March 31, 2017. The timing is not coincidental.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Teen Suicides Spiked In Month After \u201813 Reasons Why\u2019 Debuted On Netflix | NBC Nightly News\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/H9xl0lLvPZM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Teen Suicides Spiked In Month After \u201813 Reasons Why\u2019 Debuted on Netflix. Courtesy, NBC Nightly News.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem, of course, is not limited to one show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI find the media depicts suicide in too much of a sentimental way,\u201d Dr. Mark Rego, M.D says. \u201cThat is, the person has suffered so much that they have no way out and only the love of some devoted person saves them. This is rarely the case. Suicide is a problem of mental illness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The devastation wrought by suicides on family members and loved ones is also rarely explored in popular media.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think films portray suicide as it suits their purposes,\u201d says Rita Richards, LCSW. \u201cI do not think they show what it can do to a person&#8217;s life who survives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC is more emphatic about the matter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDepictions of suicide that romanticize, demonize, question its legitimacy, and minimize the pain of the person who died are all detrimental to the narrative around the subject,\u201d he says. \u201cI still recall when Gene Simmons was quoted as saying suicide is selfish. It is sobering to think that in a life or death situation like this, the ill-informed opinion of the bassist from Kiss is likely to reach more people than me, a licensed professional.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While depictions of suicide have improved over the years, \u201cwe still have a way to go,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Popular-TV-shows-and-movies-often-make-it-appear-as-if-people-die-by-suicide-because-of-something-that-someone-said-or-did-to-them.-This-is-generally-not-the-case..jpg\" alt=\"Popular TV shows and movies often make it appear as if people die by suicide because of something that someone said or did to them. This is generally not the case.\" class=\"wp-image-35554 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Popular-TV-shows-and-movies-often-make-it-appear-as-if-people-die-by-suicide-because-of-something-that-someone-said-or-did-to-them.-This-is-generally-not-the-case..jpg\" alt=\"Popular TV shows and movies often make it appear as if people die by suicide because of something that someone said or did to them. This is generally not the case.\" class=\"wp-image-35554 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Popular-TV-shows-and-movies-often-make-it-appear-as-if-people-die-by-suicide-because-of-something-that-someone-said-or-did-to-them.-This-is-generally-not-the-case..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Popular-TV-shows-and-movies-often-make-it-appear-as-if-people-die-by-suicide-because-of-something-that-someone-said-or-did-to-them.-This-is-generally-not-the-case.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Popular-TV-shows-and-movies-often-make-it-appear-as-if-people-die-by-suicide-because-of-something-that-someone-said-or-did-to-them.-This-is-generally-not-the-case.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Popular-TV-shows-and-movies-often-make-it-appear-as-if-people-die-by-suicide-because-of-something-that-someone-said-or-did-to-them.-This-is-generally-not-the-case.-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Arien Conner, LCSW<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thoughts_on_Suicide_Prevention_In_Schools\"><\/span>Thoughts on Suicide Prevention In Schools<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>None of the therapists who were interviewed for this article believed that schools do enough to prevent suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schools need to take a more proactive role in suicide prevention. They should work with parents hand-in-hand to reduce suicide rates and educate children about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Schools do not give suicide enough attention, especially during middle school,\u201d says Shari Botwin, LCSW. \u201cMandatory trainings on suicide prevention need to be offered to teachers and principals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to educating teachers and administrators, school-aged children need to be educated about mental health topics as well. \u201cWith the increase in depression among teens and the suicide rates where they are,\u201d says Jason Drake, LCSW-S, \u201ckids and teens need to be educated on the signs and symptoms of depression.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But suicide prevention goes beyond education and training. It also speaks to the need for systemic change and a more enlightened, progressive approach.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSchools can make a better effort at helping students feel accepted and integrated into the social milieu,\u201d says Dr. Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD. \u201cThey can help children and teens by teaching emotional intelligence and literacy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide prevention, then, is a community effort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Too often it is thought of as a problem that only therapists are equipped to handle. And while the treatment of suicidality needs to be performed by qualified mental health professionals, the truth is that suicide prevention begins in homes, in schools, and in communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mandatory-trainings-on-suicide-prevention-need-to-be-offered-to-teachers-and-principals.-The-warning-signs-are-not-always-understood-by-the-school-system..jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35545 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mandatory-trainings-on-suicide-prevention-need-to-be-offered-to-teachers-and-principals.-The-warning-signs-are-not-always-understood-by-the-school-system..jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35545 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mandatory-trainings-on-suicide-prevention-need-to-be-offered-to-teachers-and-principals.-The-warning-signs-are-not-always-understood-by-the-school-system..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mandatory-trainings-on-suicide-prevention-need-to-be-offered-to-teachers-and-principals.-The-warning-signs-are-not-always-understood-by-the-school-system.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mandatory-trainings-on-suicide-prevention-need-to-be-offered-to-teachers-and-principals.-The-warning-signs-are-not-always-understood-by-the-school-system.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mandatory-trainings-on-suicide-prevention-need-to-be-offered-to-teachers-and-principals.-The-warning-signs-are-not-always-understood-by-the-school-system.-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Shari Botwin, LCSW<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_We_Can_Do_To_Prevent_Suicide\"><\/span>What We Can Do To Prevent Suicide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/country-rankings\/suicide-rate-by-country\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Suicide is an global pandemic<\/a>. It is not a problem specific to the United States.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, the United States does not even rank among the top 25 countries in terms of suicide rates per capita. Japan, Russia, India, Austria, and Sweden all have higher suicide rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, an average of <a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">132 people die by suicide<\/a> daily in the United States.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can all do a great deal more to stop the epidemic of suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide prevention means \u201cintervening upon the belief system that things cannot change or be different,\u201d says Elaine Hixson-Weiss, MC, LPC. That includes the person struggling with suicidality as well as those in a position to stop suicide from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing the warning signs of suicide is a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a person has started giving away their possessions, in particular their valued or sentimental items, this is a red flag,\u201d says Nina Moak, LPC. \u201cIt&#8217;s similar to people creating a will before they die, in that they have designated what they want their loved ones to have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other warning signs, according to Moak, include being detached or unbothered by something you would normally expect your loved one to care about. For example, being unconcerned about rent being due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSomeone who has decided to take their life isn&#8217;t worried about these typical stressors because they know that they will not be around to deal with the consequences,\u201d Moak warns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People also need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/a-brief-guide-to-psychological-first-aid\/\">to know how to help<\/a> a person who struggles with suicidality once it has been disclosed. In order to do that, it\u2019s important to know what is and is not true about suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFirst, people should never be afraid to mention the word or subject of suicide,\u201d says Dr. Mark Redo, M.D. \u201cStudies have shown the more open we are about suicide, the better our attempts at prevention.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide is an uncomfortable subject, but we should not let that stop us from addressing it with our loved ones.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI have found that people are reticent to ask someone if they have been thinking about suicide, says Deborah Krevalin, LPC, LMHC of West Hartford Holistic <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-get-results-in-therapy\/\" title=\"Counseling\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Counseling<\/a> Center in West Hartford, CT<strong>.<\/strong> \u201cAs if they may be liable for \u2018planting a seed\u2019 in the person\u2019s head. But nothing could be farther from the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a safe place for someone to talk about their suicidal thoughts can go a long way to helping them feel supported, heard, and understood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere is often fear from the individual experiencing suicidal ideation that they will be a burden on their loved ones,\u201d says Lindsey Cooper, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. \u201cGet comfortable talking about suicidal ideation and avoid skirting the question. Be clear and be supportive. This in itself is suicide prevention.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candida Wiltshire, MSW, LCSW offers similar advice. \u201cIt\u2019s better to talk about it, than to hide it,\u201d she says. \u201cPeople are scared to talk to their loved ones, mainly because they fear it will encourage the person to act. However, the exact opposite is true.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As is often the case, a person who suffers from suicidal ideation is often relieved to have the opportunity to share their painful thoughts with someone. It\u2019s like releasing the pressure from a valve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Proper-treatment-availability-family-support-and-continued-follow-through-of-treatment-are-what-saves-people..jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35546 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Proper-treatment-availability-family-support-and-continued-follow-through-of-treatment-are-what-saves-people..jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35546 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Proper-treatment-availability-family-support-and-continued-follow-through-of-treatment-are-what-saves-people..jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Proper-treatment-availability-family-support-and-continued-follow-through-of-treatment-are-what-saves-people.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Proper-treatment-availability-family-support-and-continued-follow-through-of-treatment-are-what-saves-people.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Proper-treatment-availability-family-support-and-continued-follow-through-of-treatment-are-what-saves-people.-150x113.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Dr. Mark Rego, M.D.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts_on_Suicide_Awareness\"><\/span>Final Thoughts on Suicide Awareness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide awareness is knowing that suicide is an invisible issue, says Elaine Hixson-Weiss, MC, LPC.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also about having the courage to shed light on an uncomfortable, unsettling, and controversial subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat is how heavy a secret can become,\u201d wrote Patrick Rothfuss, author of <em>The Wise Man&#8217;s Fear<\/em>. \u201cIt can make blood flow easier than ink.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same can be said for suicidality. The less we talk about it, the more deadly it becomes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide awareness is about shining a light into places that have remained dark for far too long. It is also about eroding the stigma associated with mental illness in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine if no one talked about and stigmatized COVID like we do suicide\u201d says Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC. \u201cWe need to do the opposite. We need to be talking about it. We need to recognize and debunk the stigma. We need to create safe places for people to not be judged and, instead, be accepted and feel comfortable to seek help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This also means recognizing the struggles that minority groups face as well, many of whom are disproportionately affected by suicide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe need to be aware of the social risk factors that increase the likelihood of suicide among particular social groups,\u201d says Pfaff. \u201cFor instance, those within the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-help-the-lgbtq-community-fight-stigma\/\">LGBTQ+ community<\/a> are at an increased risk of suicidality. And why? Social stigma, discrimination, and oppression. The same can be said for many other marginalized groups.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The social isolation that stems from stigma is perhaps the greatest threat to those who suffer from mental disorders and suicidality. The very thing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/narcissistic-abuse-recovery\/\">needed to heal<\/a> &#8211; human connection &#8211; is what stigma robs from its victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People need human connection and even more so when they are in a vulnerable state,\u201d says Deborah Krevalin, LPC, LMHC. \u201cSomeone contemplating suicide needs and wants to heard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going forward, that\u2019s what therapists want you to know about suicide. In the war for suicide prevention, you are the first line of defense. Whether you are a parent, teacher, friend or sibling, your support, encouragement, and love <em>matters<\/em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Suicide-is-the-ultimate-form-of-control.-When-people-feel-helpless-and-powerless-they-turn-to-suicide-as-an-option..jpg\" alt=\"Suicide is the ultimate form of control. When people feel helpless and powerless they turn to suicide as an option.\" class=\"wp-image-35548 lazyload\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Suicide-is-the-ultimate-form-of-control.-When-people-feel-helpless-and-powerless-they-turn-to-suicide-as-an-option..jpg\" alt=\"Suicide is the ultimate form of control. When people feel helpless and powerless they turn to suicide as an option.\" class=\"wp-image-35548 lazyload\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Suicide-is-the-ultimate-form-of-control.-When-people-feel-helpless-and-powerless-they-turn-to-suicide-as-an-option..jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Suicide-is-the-ultimate-form-of-control.-When-people-feel-helpless-and-powerless-they-turn-to-suicide-as-an-option.-167x125.jpg 167w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Suicide-is-the-ultimate-form-of-control.-When-people-feel-helpless-and-powerless-they-turn-to-suicide-as-an-option.-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Suicide-is-the-ultimate-form-of-control.-When-people-feel-helpless-and-powerless-they-turn-to-suicide-as-an-option.-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Suicide-is-the-ultimate-form-of-control.-When-people-feel-helpless-and-powerless-they-turn-to-suicide-as-an-option.-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Sasha Jackson, LCSW<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suicide_Resources\"><\/span>Suicide Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>800-273-8255 (24\/7)<\/li><li>Online chat:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/chat\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/chat\/<\/a>&nbsp;(24\/7)<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/suicidepreventionlifeline.org\/<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crisis Text Line<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Text HOME to 741741 (24\/7)<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crisistextline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.crisistextline.org\/<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Veterans Crisis Line<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>800-273-8255 and press 1 (24\/7)<\/li><li>Text 838255 (24\/7)<\/li><li>Online chat:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.veteranscrisisline.net\/get-help\/chat\" target=\"_blank\">www.veteranscrisisline.net\/get-help\/chat<\/a>&nbsp;(24\/7)<\/li><li>Support for those who are deaf or hard of<br>hearing: 800-799-4889<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.veteranscrisisline.net\/\" target=\"_blank\">www.veteranscrisisline.net<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Trevor Project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>866-488-7386 (24\/7)<\/li><li>Text START to 678678. (Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST\/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)<\/li><li>TrevorCHAT (instant messaging, available seven<br>days a week 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST\/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)<\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"BetterHelp\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">BetterHelp<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Online therapy\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/betterhelp-counseling-review\/\">Online therapy<\/a> with a licensed mental health professional for a low, monthly fee. Not for emergencies but ideal for those who could use professional support and prefer to make use of text, video, and phone-based assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-box ub-styled-box ub-notification-box\" id=\"ub-styled-box-67252cc7-c750-4261-a880-579685247fce\">\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"ub-styled-box-notification-content-\"><strong>Shop now at Amazon.com<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B08L9NHDBD\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B08L9NHDBD&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=blunttherapy-20&amp;linkId=247b0c31d800edeca5c20fda9f4a90bc\">Sometimes Therapy Is Awkward : A Collection of Life-Changing Insights for the Modern Clinician<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B08L9NHDBD\" alt=\"\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B08L9NHDBD\" alt=\"\"><\/noscript><\/em><\/li><li><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1939754852\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1939754852&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=blunttherapy-20&amp;linkId=7dda48936f5cccee0e0bff7b94d9f5d5\">Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies For Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, And Worry<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1939754852\" alt=\"\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=blunttherapy-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1939754852\" alt=\"\"><\/noscript><\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Experts\"><\/span>The Experts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The following mental health professionals contributed to the development of this piece:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/markdregomd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Mark D Rego, MD<\/a>, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine.<\/li><li>Tasha Holland-Kornegay, PhD, LCMHC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician and Founder of <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/wellnessirl.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">WIRL<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.anjaniamladimd.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Anjani Amladi<\/a>, MD, Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, and Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist<\/li><li>Nina Moak, MA, LPC, Therapist at <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.houstoncenterforvaluedliving.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Houston Center for Valued Living<\/a><\/li><li>Dr. David Pfaff, PhD, LPC, Psychotherapist at<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/dspcounseling.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"> Woven Integrated Health<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sierratucson.com\/about\/staff\/elaine-hixson-weiss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Elaine Hixson-Weiss, MC, LPC<\/a>, Associate Clinical Director for the Arizona-based mental health facility Sierra Tucson<\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.drfranwalfish.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Dr. Fran Walfish<\/a>, PsyD, Beverly Hills family and relationship psychotherapist and author of The Self-Aware Parent.<\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/opthofpsychotherapy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Dr. Jerry Opthof<\/a>, PsyD, LPC, LCADC, NCC, Psychotherapist and Licensed Professional Counselor<\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lisaslarsen.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Lisa S. Larsen<\/a>, PsyD, Psychologist<\/li><li>Jason Drake, LCSW-S, Lead Clinician &amp; Owner of <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.katyteenandfamilycounseling.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Katy Teen &amp; Family Counseling<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.therapywithlindsey.com\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lindsey Cooper<\/a>, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sharibotwin.com\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shari Botwin, LCSW<\/a>, Therapist and Author of <a href=\"https:\/\/rowman.com\/ISBN\/9781538125601\/Thriving-After-Trauma-Stories-of-Living-and-Healing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thriving After Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing<\/a><\/li><li>Deborah K. Krevalin, LPC, LMHC,&nbsp; Psychotherapist at <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westhartfordholisticcounseling.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">West Hartford Holistic Counseling Center in West Hartford, CT<\/a><\/li><li>Julie Fanning LCSW, Therapist and Owner of <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.holdinghopeservices.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Holding Hope Services<\/a><\/li><li>Arien Conner, LCSW, Therapist at <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/clearpathcounselingllc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Clear Path, LLC<\/a><\/li><li>Rita Richards, LCSW, Therapist<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sashajacksonlcsw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Sasha Jackson<\/a>, LCSW. Licensed Therapist and Author&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gooddeedstherapy.com\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Candida Wiltshire<\/a>, MSW, LCSW, Therapist<\/li><li>William Schroeder, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor and Co-Director of <a href=\"https:\/\/justmind.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Just Mind Counseling<\/a><\/li><li>Randy Withers, LCMHC, LCAS, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Managing Editor of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Blunt Therapy<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.apa.org\/suicidality\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Psychological Association: Suicidality<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/suicide.shtml#:~:text=Suicide%20was%20the%20tenth%20leading,ages%20of%2035%20and%2054\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Suicide statistics<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic \u2014 United States, June 24\u201330, 2020<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NIMH \u00bb Major Depression<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Table 9, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode\/Disorder Comparison &#8211; DSM-5 Changes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Does depression increase the risk for suicide?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WashingtonPost.com: &#8216;Trainspotting&#8217;: Junk Culture<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Defusing D-Day: How Call of Duty: WWII Undermines What Should Be Its Most Powerful Moment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Association Between the Release of Netflix\u2019s 13 Reasons Why and Suicide Rates in the United States: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Suicide Rate by Country 2020<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/afsp.org\/suicide-statistics\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Suicide statistics<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many, suicide is a subject shrouded in mystery. To learn more about it, we interviewed therapists to get their thoughts on suicide and suicide prevention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":35557,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[787,972,878,762,136,29],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Professional-Therapists-Share-Their-Thoughts-on-Suicide.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"For many, suicide is a subject shrouded in mystery. To learn more about it, we interviewed therapists to get their thoughts on suicide and suicide prevention.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35361"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35361"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35361\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}