Episode 36: “Are you feeling Suicidal?”: How to Intervene When You Fear Someone is Struggling

Soul Healing Love

Amanda is joined again by two of the amazing minds behind For Students, an organization dedicated to equipping students with tools for lifelong emotional health and suicide prevention. If you missed the tragic story of how Executive Director Whitney D’Allaird turned her pain into purpose after losing her oldest son Tyler to suicide, please listen to Episode 35. In this episode, Amanda talks again with Whitney and also For Students Programming Director Ed Williams on the talk that is at the heart of everything they do: Suicide Awareness and Prevention. They share their OARS method that they created along with Amy Work, LCMHC who is a member of the For Students Advisory Board. OARS is a simple and effective way to know what to do if you suspect a friend or family member is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In this episode you will learn to Observe: to know what are signs that someone is moving toward life-ending thoughts. We will teach you how and what to Ask if you suspect this. And contrary to some thoughts, asking someone will not give them the suggestion and make them more likely to hurt themselves, so practice Asking as Ed and Whitney guide listeners through those questions. From there, know when to Refer your loved one to a trusted professional. And finally Stay in Touch/Involved: community and presence can do so much. To learn more about For Students and their mission to transform the emotional well being of students, please visit www.ForStudents.org or follow on Instagram @forstudentsclt If you are struggling with thoughts of taking your own life, please reach out for help! Your life matters! Call a trusted friend and dial 988. You can also text TALK to 741741.