“I’m fine.”

How many times have we said those two words when we weren’t fine at all?

Sometimes we say it because we don’t want to explain. Sometimes because we don’t want anyone worrying about us. Sometimes because we don’t even know how to explain what is going on inside our own head.

And sometimes we say it because we’re afraid of what might happen if we tell the truth.

I’ve learned that “I’m fine” isn’t always the end of the conversation. Sometimes it should be the beginning of another question.

“Are you sure?”

“Because you don’t seem like yourself.”

“Do you want to talk?”

And then be willing to actually listen.

As a mom, I know how badly we want to believe our kids when they tell us they’re okay. We want to believe that whatever is bothering them will pass, that they’ll talk when they’re ready, that we would know if something was seriously wrong.

But sometimes people are really good at hiding their pain.

So check again.

Not in an accusing way. Not by demanding answers. Just let them know you’re there and that they don’t have to pretend with you.

And if they still say they’re fine, maybe leave the door open.

“I’ll believe you. But if you’re not, you can tell me. You won’t scare me away.”

I wish we could always tell when someone is hurting.

We can’t.

But we can make sure the people we love know they don’t have to hide it from us.

Sometimes the most important thing isn’t getting someone to admit they’re not okay.

It’s making sure they know what will happen when they finally do.

We’ll listen. We won’t judge you. And we won’t leave you alone in it.

#SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicideAwareness #CheckOnYourPeople #ListenWithoutJudgment #YouAreNotAlone