Disclaimer:

This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide and self-harm. If these are triggering subjects for you or if you’re struggling, please reach out to someone you love, a mental health professional, a county crisis line, or call 988. Thanks for being here.

---

Hello everybody, and thank you for joining me for today’s post. I’m really excited to share a conversation with Jeff Denning, a fantastic guest who has joined us. Jeff has a wealth of experience and knowledge in both law enforcement and mental health, and I’m thrilled to have him here. Let’s dive in!

Jeff’s Journey: From Police Work to Mental Health Counseling

Jeff began by sharing a bit about his background. He retired from the Salt Lake City Police Department after 25 years of service. During his time there, he trained as a negotiator with the FBI and gained extensive experience in crisis intervention, especially involving individuals in severe distress and those contemplating or having attempted suicide.

Currently, Jeff chairs the Utah Critical Incident Stress Management Team, where he assists with debriefings for first responders statewide. His role often involves handling extremely challenging situations, including some truly horrific suicides.

The Harsh Reality of Suicide Among First Responders

One of the most startling aspects Jeff highlighted is the high rate of suicide among first responders. According to Jeff, law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. This reality underscores the intense pressure and emotional toll these professionals face.

Jeff’s personal connection to the issue became even more poignant when he shared about his younger brother, who took his own life a few years ago. This tragedy fueled Jeff’s passion for educating others about suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.

The Importance of Talking About Suicide

A significant point Jeff made is the critical need to talk openly about suicide. There’s a longstanding myth that discussing suicide can plant the idea in someone’s mind, but research shows that’s not the case. Open conversations can actually provide relief and help to those struggling.

Jeff emphasized that whether you’re a parent or just a concerned friend, asking someone if they’re considering suicide doesn’t give them the idea. Instead, it opens a crucial line of communication that can lead to them getting the help they need.

Sobering Statistics

During our conversation, Jeff mentioned a sobering statistic: in the time it takes to film an episode of our show, approximately six people will take their own lives. The reality is stark and alarming. In the United States alone, around 47,000 people die by suicide annually, equivalent to filling a large NFL stadium with individuals who then all tragically take their own lives.

These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people, each with their own stories and loved ones left behind. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and has seen a dramatic increase in recent years.

Why Addressing Suicide Feels So Difficult

One of the challenges many people face is not knowing how to address the issue of suicide. There’s a pervasive fear and uncertainty around it. Historically, people were even advised not to talk about suicide for fear of giving others ideas. Thankfully, we now understand the importance of discussing it openly.

Jeff and I talked about the need for education and awareness. People often don’t know what to do or how to approach someone who might be suicidal. This lack of knowledge can lead to inaction, which is why spreading awareness and providing resources is so vital.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts: A Path to Hope and Help

In my work as a mental health therapist and life coach, I frequently encounter individuals grappling with thoughts of suicide. It’s a profoundly delicate topic, but one that needs open, honest dialogue. Suicidal thoughts can arise from a sense of being stuck, a loss of hope, or feeling like a burden. However, having these thoughts doesn’t necessarily mean one will act on them. It’s crucial to understand the complexity and the commonality of these feelings to address them effectively and compassionately.

Recognizing Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts often stem from overwhelming stress, a sense of hopelessness, or feeling like a burden to others. These emotions can be intensified by substance abuse, mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder. When people feel trapped and unable to find a way out, their brain might suggest suicide as an escape route. This doesn’t make the thoughts any less distressing, but it does highlight the brain’s desperate attempt to find relief.

Common Misconceptions and Realities

Many people wonder if having suicidal thoughts means they’re destined to act on them or if there’s something inherently wrong with them. The truth is, these thoughts are more common than most realize. Our brains can respond to extreme stress or emotional pain by searching for an escape, which can manifest as suicidal thoughts. It’s important to normalize the occurrence of these thoughts and emphasize that they don’t define a person or their future actions.

Immediate Actions and Resources

If you’re feeling suicidal, it’s vital to seek help immediately. You can call the National Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988, or in extreme cases, 911. These resources can provide immediate support and connect you with professional help. It’s also crucial to avoid alcohol and drugs, as these substances can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and impair judgment.

Warning Signs to Watch For

In Yourself:

• Isolation or withdrawal from social interactions.
• Increased substance use.
• Sudden mood swings or changes in behavior.
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden.

In Others:

• Similar signs of isolation, substance use, and mood swings.
• Comments indicating hopelessness or burden, even if said in a casual or testing manner.
• Giving away possessions or showing a sudden sense of calm after a period of distress.

Talking About Suicidal Thoughts

Discussing suicidal thoughts can be daunting, but it’s a crucial step towards finding help. If you notice these signs in yourself, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. If you notice these signs in someone else, approach them with compassion and curiosity. Ask open-ended questions like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately, what’s going on?” This can open the door to a meaningful conversation and potentially life-saving intervention.

The Importance of Community Response

How we, as a community, respond to suicide is critical. It’s essential to avoid glorifying or disparaging the person who has died by suicide. Instead, focus on providing support to those affected and promoting open dialogue about mental health. This can help prevent copycat suicides and offer a supportive environment for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Breaking the Stigma: Understanding Mental Health Emergencies

When it comes to mental health emergencies, the hospital can be a critical resource. If you’re actively suicidal, it’s vital to seek immediate help at a hospital. This isn’t a fun experience, much like any hospital visit for a severe injury, but it can provide the necessary stabilization to get back on track. Following up with a mental health counselor afterward is a crucial step in the healing process.

The system isn’t perfect, but it’s what we have, and there are dedicated professionals trained to help. Imagine many people are walking around with emotional amputations, injuries that need professional attention. Just like a physical injury, mental health issues should be treated seriously, and the hospital is one of the tools in our toolbag. It’s not the only tool, though. Sometimes, you need a variety of approaches—therapy, medication, support groups—to build a comprehensive treatment plan.

Populations at Risk

Suicidal ideation can affect anyone, but certain populations are at higher risk. Veterans, for instance, often face significant mental health challenges. In my experience as a veteran of Iraq, I saw firsthand the impact of suicide within our units. The LGBTQ+ community, first responders, and individuals with high Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) scores also face increased risks.

Substance abuse is another significant factor. Drug and alcohol use can impair judgment and exacerbate mental health issues, leading to increased suicidal ideation. Even substances like marijuana, particularly with high THC levels, can induce psychosis, mimicking conditions like schizophrenia and leading to severe mental health crises.

Substance Use and Mental Health

It’s a common misconception that using substances can help manage mental health issues. In reality, substances often make things worse by impairing judgment and increasing the likelihood of self-harm. Overcoming the innate will to live is a monumental task, and substances can make this easier, tragically increasing the risk of suicide.

The Universal Nature of Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts don’t discriminate. They can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, mental health condition, or substance use. It’s crucial to recognize this and understand that help is available. As mental health professionals, it’s our duty to raise awareness and provide support to those in need.

Intervening in a Crisis

If you suspect someone is considering suicide, it’s essential to ask direct questions. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” and “Do you have a plan?” are critical questions. If they say yes, stay with them and help them get the necessary support. It’s also important to know that, despite our best efforts, we can’t always prevent someone from taking their life.

A Story of Hope and Intervention

A powerful story shared by a friend highlights the importance of intervention. As an ambulance driver, he responded to an accident involving his newlywed wife, who was trapped under a car and ultimately passed away. Devastated, he attempted to take his own life but was stopped by what he described as divine intervention. While not everyone experiences such profound moments, we can all be “angels in the flesh” by caring for others and connecting them to resources.

Conclusion

Each of us has the power to influence the lives of those around us. By being aware, asking direct questions, and providing support, we can help those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is available. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out. We’ll provide helpful links and numbers in the description of this post.

Thank you for joining us, and we hope this information was beneficial. We’ll see you in the next one.