I think one of the hardest things about suicide prevention is actually asking the question.

Are you okay?

Are you really okay?

Are you thinking about hurting yourself?

We get scared that saying the words will make things worse. We worry that we’ll say the wrong thing or that we’ll make someone uncomfortable.

But sometimes being uncomfortable is better than staying silent.

I’ve learned that there are things you wish you could go back and change. Conversations you wish you could have one more time. Things you wish you had known, questions you wish you had asked.

And that’s why I don’t think we should be afraid to ask.

If your child is acting differently, ask.

If your friend suddenly seems distant, ask.

If someone tells you they’re hopeless, ask.

If that little voice in your head keeps telling you to check on someone, check on them.

You don’t need a perfect speech. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to start the conversation and listen to what comes next.

And if they tell you they’re thinking about suicide, don’t panic and don’t leave them alone. Take it seriously and get help.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If they’re in immediate danger, call 911.

I wish none of us ever had a reason to wish we’d asked one more question.

But if we can make ourselves brave enough to ask now, maybe someone else’s story will have a different ending.

#SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicideAwareness #AskTheQuestion #CheckOnYourPeople #YouAreNotAlone