Words Matter

Hope Out of the Darkness

If you are in crisis or know someone who is...please call:

Suicide Lifeline at 1-800- 273-8255

or text the word “help” to 741-741

http://afsp.org/get-help

Host: Shell Pavlis

Guest: Nancy Cooper

Suicide is the tenth most common cause of death in the United States. Each year, over 45,000 Americans die by suicide, averaging 123 suicides each day. According to a 2014 assessment, despite the high risk of suicide in the United States, around 40% of people with mental illnesses do not seek medical help. One of the main reasons why people don't seek help, according to researchers, is stigma.

Suicide is a sensitive subject that should be handled with care and respect. It's not simply about being politically correct. Whether we're having a conversation, talking to someone who has lived experience, or writing about the problem in a professional situation. It all boils down to saving lives.

As our knowledge and awareness of suicide grows, so must our approach to discussing it. To help us be more aware of our own language choices, Nancy discusses the power of a solid support system and surrounding yourself with loved ones, the correct terms those around you can use to better communicate and help, what not to say and where to find suicide prevention resources.

00:00 Introduction

2:34 The language of suicide prevention

5:18 Using the correct terms when speaking about suicide prevention

7:33 The power of a solid support system

10:46 Ways to show support

12:27 What not to say

16:30 being the chapter chair of AFSP

19:44 Duck Duck Hope

23:34 Suicide prevention resources

25:57 Listener question

27:27 Self tips for loss survivors

Connect with Shell Pavlis:

AFSP Volunteer, Advocate, Event Sponsor, Give Back Partner

Realtor® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

[e-mail]

All Shell’s Social: https://linktr.ee/shellseeshell

Connect with our Guest:

Nancy Cooper, America Foundation of Suicide Prevention, OC Chapter Chair

[e-mail]

https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county

https://bewelloc.org/

Council on Aging OC https://www.coasc.org

Children’s Hospital of Orange County https://www.choc.org/mental-health/

Hoag Hospital https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/community-benefit/hoag-programs/mental-health-services/

University of California, Irvine https://counseling.uci.edu/services/

Let’s Stop Suicide. Mental Health for All. Suicide Prevention. Suicide Support.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Orange County, CA: https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county

Become a Volunteer https://afsp.org/chapter/orange-county#volunteer

Advocacy https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate

National Alliance on Mental Health https://nami.org/Support-Education

DiDi Hirsch Mental Health Services (LA & OC) https://didihirsch.org

Connect with Hope Out of the Darkness:

http://HopeOutoftheDarkness.com

Record a Question about mental health or suicide to be answered on an episode of Hope Out of the Darkness: https://www.speakpipe.com/HopeOutoftheDarkness

Want to be a guest, or have an idea for a discussion you want to hear? Email [e-mail]