Ursula Whiteside

There's an over-response in that person.

is then directed to the emergency room where they may stay for 12, 24, three days while they're being assessed and ultimately sent home.

And in both situations, people learn, why would I ever share that again?

That was so unhelpful.

We give the advice first and foremost when you're sitting with somebody who's struggling with suicidal thoughts is to not panic, like at a bare minimum.

And then secondarily, to be present with that person, like to be in the room with them as much as possible, to be like a real human with them.

What does this kind of validation sound like?

I'll let Ursula give some examples.

When they say the horrible things about how they want to die, instead of, you know, disagreeing with them or it's reflecting back like you're in so much pain right now.

This feels excruciating.

Of course, your brain is trying to find ways to escape.

I'm so glad you're still talking with me.

I'm so glad you're here.

I know you're in pain right now.

And I love you and I care about you.

When I was listening to this, I kept coming back to the fact that there are so many times that people survive.

And what we only count is when they die.