Steps to a World Without Suicide

“One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.”

― John O'Donohue, Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong 

With so much loss, anger, hostility and lack of compassion in the news recently, it can be hard to hold onto hope. We often feel lost and powerless, either for ourselves or those we love, here in MA or at home in Ireland. At a recent suicide prevention staff training, our client services team were asked, “what can we do to help? I worry something I say will make things worse”. We can’t “solve” people’s problems for them but listening can help, especially if someone we love is contemplating suicide. Those who are considering suicide to stop their pain, fear being judged for having these thoughts and so don’t reach out for help. However, talking allows these thoughts and feelings to be heard and accepted for what they are, by another person, who will just listen and won’t judge. It’s almost like unpacking them gives you temporary relief so that you can find the energy to replenish your heart with hope for the next day of routine and tough decisions. 

What can we do to be ready to help, if it’s ever needed? 

We are planning a series of QPR Suicide Prevention Community Gatekeeper trainings in the coming months, where you can learn the key signs someone you care about may be considering suicide:

• Practical skills to ask the (Q)uestion, 

• (P)ersuade them to not harm themselves and 

• How to (R)efer them to the help they need. 

In the face of powerlessness, these trainings offer practical suggestions (based on medical research) to empower communities to protect themselves and their families, with a lot of success. We especially highlight tools including the “988” number that can connect you 24/7 to immediate support. We would like to hear from you! 

Email Danielle at dowen@ipcboston.org indicating your interest in attending one of the QPR Trainings and letting us know what days and times work best to attend? A world without suicide is possible and we want you to be part of the solution. Join us. Remember, if you need support now, call or text “988” to get connected to judgment free support and resources.