By Mary McPhail Gray
NVW Board Chair

An expression of grief and guilt after the suicide of a friend or family member is a deeply painful thing to say or hear.  After four unexpected deaths of adults in Taos in the last month, many are deeply sorrowful and feeling a terrible sense of failure.

We all need to be informed and courageous in providing a lifeline to someone in deep need. Experience and research provide us with some guidance, and there are local, state and national resources to tap.

First of all, if you are aware that someone you know is deeply distressed, then you are a significant resource to them—you are close enough to observe and to support them.  And the first rule is:  Be present with them—don’t avoid them—be there to listen and show empathy.  The idea of someone committing suicide is frightening to most of us, so it is easy to withdraw or ignore what you see.  But it is important not to ignore them and to be caring enough to say outright, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” [Read more…] about “I Should Have Said Something!”