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Talking about someone’s worries could help prevent a suicide BY ANN HINCH
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wo organizers working to normalize mental health assistance for farmers across Indiana want you to understand that if you worry someone you’re close to might be considering suicide, but you fear asking about it might push them to do it – that is not the case. Kathy Walker and Abby Heidenreich explained there are data that show the act of broaching the topic with a person feeling suicidal ideation – the contemplation of, wish for or preoccupation with suicide – does not cause suicide. In fact, bringing up the topic may relieve the person Kathy Walker in crisis. “It shows you care, and not being afraid to talk about the hard topics shows you are there for them and want what’s best for them,” said Heidenreich, an ag and natural resources educator in Orange County and part of Purdue University Extension’s Farm Stress Team.
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INDIANA CORN & SOYBEAN POST
And Walker, program coordinator with the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA), noted broaching the topic is not going to put ideas of suicide into someone’s mind – whether they’re already having such thoughts or are dealing with a less extreme mental health struggle. “Don’t be afraid to ask, ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’” she said. (There are “softer” ways to approach as well – “Have you been unhappy lately?” or some variation may be more appropriate for your style.) If this family member, friend or close colleague answers any variation of “yes,” resist the urge to Abby Heidenreich argue “you shouldn’t feel that way,” “oh, that’s crazy,” “you don’t mean that” or the like. Instead, Walker advises letting the person talk about their problems and perceptions – “Can you tell me about how you’re feeling?” is one such encourager. Also: Listen carefully and be compassionate. “You really need to
