Keynote speaker urges students and parents to "break the silence," highlights 988 and listening strategies

Summary

A keynote speaker with two decades of hotline experience told an audience that many people contemplating suicide tell themselves a false story about their worth. The speaker recommended asking open, 'authentic' questions, distinguishing 'mental ill health' from mental illness, and using the 988 Lifeline.

A keynote speaker at a community event urged students, parents and others to “break the silence” about suicidal thoughts and described practical ways to support people in crisis, including calling or texting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

The presenter, identified in the transcript only as "Presenter" and described themself as a longtime volunteer on the suicide hotline, said the work taught them how often people in crisis tell themselves a false, negative narrative about their lives. “The story they’re telling themselves about who they are is the wrong story,” Presenter said.

Presenter framed why the topic matters by citing two decades of volunteer service: 20 years as a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline volunteer, about four hours a week, roughly 4,000 hours total and more than 11,000 calls. The speaker said those experiences informed advice they give to high-school students across Northern Illinois…

Keynote speaker urges students and parents to "break the silence," highlights 988 and listening strategies

Summary

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