Suicide Prevention: Spot the Signs. Save a Life.

In this episode, we welcome back Manisha Leary, the FST5 Program Manager and a clinical psychotherapist specializing in trauma. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and to honor this important focus, the Minds on the Frontline podcast is dedicating episodes to addressing the urgent issue of suicide among frontline workers.  Throughout this episode, Mike, Manisha, and I continue our crucial conversation on suicide prevention, providing key insights on how to recognize behavioral changes and verbal cues that may signal suicidal thoughts. We also discuss how to approach and communicate with someone who might be experiencing these thoughts, sharing best practices and highlighting what to avoid in these challenging conversations.  Finally, we provide actionable steps that can be taken to support suicide prevention efforts within your community, emphasizing the crucial role that family, friends, and available resources play in reducing stigma and encourage seeking help.   

After the interview, we delve into three deeply personal stories that underscore the real-life impact of suicide and the importance of seeking help.

Kristie Buruse - Retired 911 Dispatcher - Survivor of Suicidal Ideation:  Kristie Buruse shares her journey from suicidal ideation to finding hope through therapy and peer support.

Steve Dluzynski - Police Officer - Best Friend and Fellow Officer Completed Suicide:  Officer Steve recounts the devastating loss of a close colleague to suicide, highlighting the importance of having difficult conversations and the lasting impact on those left behind.

Ashley Freeman - EMT - Father Completed Suicide:  Ashley Freeman reflects on the pain of losing her father to suicide and the challenges of navigating life without him. 

Minds on the Frontline Podcast is brought to you by the Frontline Strong Together 5 Program. FST5 provides streamlined access to behavioral and mental health services, as well as crisis resources for Michigan’s frontline workers and their families. NEED HELP NOW? If you are a frontline worker in Michigan or an immediate family member experiencing any crisis—whether work-related, substance abuse, depression, relationships, finances, or other challenges—reach out by calling 1-833-34-STRONG or visit FST5.org for more information.