Everyone should have a safe place for this deep work. Despair generally disappears in the light of day ...
Talking about suicide, suicidal feelings and the desire to die. Alternatives to being locked up and mistreated.
Creating Safe Spaces to talk about Suicide
When suicide ceases to be taboo there will be less suicide. This is why it's critical that we create safe spaces to discuss suicide. Reaching out when suicidal isn't only hard because it's treated like a crime by the system (people get locked up for being honest about those feelings). Truth is few people anywhere actually want or are able to be with folks when they're in hellish realities. Seriously. I'm not always able to do that for others either and it's very familiar territory for me. So let's be honest about this.
Suicidal thoughts are treated like a crime
so REALLY?? they tell us to be sure to ask for help. What do we do when there is no safe "help" available? Until we are, as a society, willing to answer that question people will continue to die without being offered a chance to share and thus process their pain. Calling 988 the current number for suicide hotline is also unsafe. Suicidal thoughts are treated like a crime. They will report you and send out cops to your home. Rob Wipond is writing a lot about this these days (2025). A system that criminalizes pain rather than supporting that person with love is sick.
Suicide: Learn to listen to and support yourself and others
People who are suicidal are all too often met with terror and control. Most people who feel suicidal need to talk about it. Approaching people with love and openness means NOT being terrified of that persons dark places. And not reacting in a knee-jerk and controlling manner. That has never allowed anyone to feel safe to open up about the painful vulnerability they are most assuredly experiencing when feeling suicidal. ...
Open Letter to the Psychiatric Institute of Washington After the Death of My Friend
By Will Hall
Dear Post-traumatic Disorders Program, Psychiatric Institute of Washington,
A close and dear friend is dead.
She was a patient at your hospital, and a few days ago she sent me this text:
"I left the trauma program after 48 hours. I was appalled at the environment, the terrible therapy and being treated like a prisoner. I went there looking for healing and support and found the experience even more traumatic. Western mental health systems are dehumanizing and insane."
That was the last message I ever received from her. I got a call that my friend's body was found in the river: she drowned herself. … [click on title for the rest of the post]
Suicide: Stay, because we need each other
"Your staying alive means so much more than you really know or that anyone is aware of at this moment." … [click on title for the rest of the post]
Recovering from Psychiatry- Reflections on Life, Death, and Suicide
This video explores life, death, and suicide from the perspective of suicide attempt survivor and ex-"Bipolar" patient, Laura Delano. … [click on title for the rest of the post]
Will Hall on suicidal thoughts
“It’s time for a new understanding of suicidal feelings. Is it really best to force someone into the hospital when they are suicidal? Do suicidal feelings plus “risk factors” really mean professionals can predict whether someone might try to kill themselves? And are suicidal feelings the symptom of a treatable illness that should include medication prescription?” includes video from Make Me Normal … [click on title for the rest of the post]
Living with suicidal feelings
It's time for a new understanding of suicidal feelings. Is it really best to force someone into the hospital when they are suicidal? Do suicidal feelings plus "risk factors" really mean professionals can predict whether someone might try to kill themselves? And are suicidal feelings the symptom of a treatable illness that should include medication prescription? … [click on title for the rest of the post]
Suicidal thoughts and planning: alternative ways to approach folks
I have seen far too many people in the care of social services and standard mental health care grossly retraumatized rather than helped when feeling their most vulnerable because people do not understand this loving, accepting and healing approach. It’s based in deep trust for the process of the individual who presents themselves in front of you. Listen. Love. … [click on title to read the rest]
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