You make a really good point about the fear of asking someone about suicide – lots of folks probably think if they ask their family, friends, or anyone else whether they’re contemplating suicide, it may trigger them to actually go ahead and attempt it (if they were contemplating it).

Nice Web site, by the way.

Part of the problem with predicting suicide is that it is such a rare event, especially (as you mentioned) since there are so many more attempted suicides for each completed. It even goes beyond that, in that there are many more people who strongly consider suicide than attempt.

Just remember all: Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not make them any more likely to act on it. It’s good to talk about these things… people considering suicide need support and help to keep them safe.

Your comment is so related to the stress I’ve experienced in the past week, too (good and bad). I may post about it later.

Congratulations on your youngest’s graduation and good luck with your wisdom teeth!

I needed to read this. I am a huge, huge, huge believer in everything happens for a reason, even JP’s death, we just don’t know always what the reason is and sometimes we never do. And there was a reason why I followed the link to this post and then decided to read my own writing.

Thank you. This day just got a lot better.

Marijke