Are You Okay?

Normalize the Conversation.

When everyone is bubbling over with happiness, what do you say family and friends who are struggling with depression or low mood at the next family gathering?

Sometimes we feel we should move on and not make our problem. But what if we were brave enough to have the conversation? Could you save a life?

Psychotherapist Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW, is nationally recognized for her expertise in helping people who have suicidal thoughts.

She first experienced suicidal thoughts in seventh grade. In high school, a friend killed himself a couple hours after the two hugged goodbye at a party. She volunteered as a suicide hotline counselor while earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

In her twenties, Dr. Freedenthal attempted suicide twice; she recounted one attempt in a piece she wrote for The New York Times, “A Suicide Therapist’s Secret Past.”

She is married, with an adult son, and wrote a book for fellow therapists, Helping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals (Routledge, 2018).

Her philosophy is: Life, too often, hurts. Psychotherapy helps. Change is possible, and hope is powerful.

Her new book, Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and do , was published by New Harbinger Publications in January 2023.

Here are her top tips on how to help make a difference in someone’s life.

 Let them know you see them, that you are there for them.

 When you have a moment alone, simply ask, “Are you okay?” Listen when they respond.

 Normalize the conversation. Talking in generalities like, “A lot of times when people are dealing with so much stress, uncertainty, and what feels like a never-ending crisis, they don’t want to be alive anymore. Have you ever thought things are hopeless?” 

To learn more: http://staceyfreedenthal.com/