When you come to me for help, I want to help you.

I hope you will let me.

I cannot know your secrets without your words.

I hope you will tell me.

Tell me, please, your thoughts of suicide.

You might feel scared to tell me

When I ask you if you are thinking of suicide.

I will try to help you feel safe.

I will not judge you.

I will not interrogate you.

I will not panic.

I will listen gently as you tell your story

In your own words, in your own way.

Suicide might tell you not to tell me.

Suicide might tell you I am your enemy.

Suicide lies.

Suicide might tell you that nobody could possibly help you,

That dying is the only way to end your pain.

Suicide might even tell you that you are a bad person

Defective, undeserving of life

Or love, or hope, or compassion.

Please, tell me.

I cannot help you fight the enemy

If you do not tell me about the enemy,

The enemy that is trying to kill you.

Do not trust your suicidal thoughts.

They are not rational.

They are a symptom, a sign, a cry from inside.

Something inside you needs healing.

Healing, not killing.

Tell me, please, what suicide tells you.

Does it tell you everything that is wrong with your life?

Everything that is wrong with you?

Suicide plays tricks with truth,

Telling only the truths that make you want to die

Hiding the truths that make you want to live.

The pieces of hope.

The pathways to healing.

The possible.

Tell me, please.

Or tell somebody else.

I am only one of many people who can help you.

But nobody can help you if you tell nobody.

Thank you.

One day you will thank you, too.

For telling.

For surviving.

***

Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW, is the author of “Helping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals,” a psychotherapist and consultant, and an associate professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work.

© Copyright 2014 Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW, All Rights Reserved. Written for www.speakingofsuicide.com. Photos purchased from Fotolia.com.

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