Great Day TV: Suicide Awareness Month
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — September is Suicide Awareness Month.
“Great Day TV” host Patty Spitler stopped by the “Daybreak” studios Saturday to talk about ways others can help people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or depression.
Spitler shared the story of her friend who has dealt with the loss of a loved one to suicide. Shannon Cagle Dawson lost her husband, Rick Dawson, to suicide seven years ago. Dawson was an investigative reporter for WISH-TV. The two met at WISH-TV.
Cagle Dawson shared what she’s learned over the years about ways others can help prevent suicide.
“You are not taking on the responsibility of someone else’s wellness simply by listening to them,” Cagle Dawson said. “What you could be doing is making a great change in their emotional well-being in the moment.”
Talking to someone who may be experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts can make a huge difference. Cagle Dawson said you shouldn’t be afraid to talk.
“You don’t have to know what to say except for ‘I’m with you,’ or ‘I support you,’” she said.
This story has been updated to correct a person’s name in the story.
Suicide resources
- NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Be Well Indiana Crisis Helpline: 211
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741