Aspirus Health Promotes Year-Round Suicide Prevention Through Conversation and Connection

A simple conversation can help create hope and connect people to support.

During Suicide Prevention Month, Aspirus Health is encouraging people to start conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Behavioral health leaders say those conversations can help people feel supported and remind them that help is available.

 

This year's theme, "Start a Conversation. Be the Difference," reflects a simple truth: reaching out matters. A text message, a phone call, or a quick check-in can help someone feel less alone and open the door to support.

 

"The relationships we have in our lives are some of the most important things,” said Jessica Schiek, LPC, Behavioral Health Service Line Administrator at Aspirus. "The way that we talk to each other really matters."

 

That focus on connection extends beyond Suicide Prevention Month. Schiek said suicide prevention is a year-round commitment across Aspirus, where teams work every day to support patients, employees, and communities.

 

Part of that work is led by the Aspirus Suicide Prevention Committee. The multidisciplinary group helps guide suicide prevention efforts across the health system. Through education and awareness efforts, the committee helps people understand available resources and where to turn for support.

 

Knowing where to start can be difficult. Many people want to help but worry about saying the wrong thing. According to Heidi Pritzl, LCSW, Suicide Prevention Coordinator-Aspirus System, that concern should not stop someone from reaching out.

 

Aspirus encourages people to talk openly when they are concerned about someone. Asking a person whether they are thinking about suicide will not give them the idea and can be an important first step in connecting them with support.

 

"Sometimes we tend to want to fix situations, but just sitting with someone so they’re not alone is so powerful," Pritzl said. "Showing up and being present can be very impactful during a stressful time."

 

Pritzl said the words people choose can shape how comfortable someone feels opening up. Small changes in language can make conversations feel more supportive and less judgmental. For example, using phrases such as "died by suicide" rather than "committed suicide" helps focus on the person rather than defining them by an experience or diagnosis.

 

When additional support is needed, resources are available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free support 24 hours a day by call, text, or chat. Community members can also connect with local resources by dialing 211 or visiting FindHelp.org. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

 

The message both leaders hope people remember is simple: you do not need to have the perfect words. If you are concerned about someone, trust your instincts and reach out. A caring conversation can be the first step toward hope and support. If you are struggling with how to begin, 988 is available to help guide the conversation and connect people to resources.

 

To learn more about suicide prevention and resources available for yourself or someone you care about, visit aspirus.org/suicide-prevention.

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