The most important conversation that you can have.

Deana talks about how to ask for help and how to offer support.

#HaveTheConversation

Find this episode on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/XUuQrFiKFBs

About Deana:

Deana Brown Mitchell is a driven, optimistic, and compassionate leader in all areas of her life.

As a bestselling author, speaker and award-winning entrepreneur, Deana vulnerably shares her experiences for the benefit of others. As a consultant/coach, she has a unique perspective on customizing a path forward for any situation. 

Currently President of Genius & Sanity, and known as “The Shower Genius”, she teaches her proprietary framework created from her own experiences of burnout and always putting herself last...  for entrepreneurs and leaders who want to continue or expand their business while taking better care of themselves and achieving the life of their dreams.

In 2022 Deana released the book, The Shower Genius, How Self-Care, Creativity & Sanity will Change Your Life Personally & Professionally.

Also, Deana is the Founder & Executive Director of The Realize Foundation. She is a suicide survivor herself, and vulnerably uses her own mental health journey to let others know there is hope. The Realize Foundation produces events and publishes books that let people know there are not alone.

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds” Jeremiah 30:17

https://www.realizefoundation.org/

https://www.facebook.com/RealizeFoundation

https://www.instagram.com/realizefoundation/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-realize-foundation/

https://www.youtube.com/@realizefoundation5598

https://twitter.com/ScarstoStarsTM

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Hi there, it's Deana. A big part of our mission here at the realized foundation is conversations around suicide awareness. I want to share today about how to ask for help, how to support a loved one who is struggling. And also if it is okay to ask someone if they're suicidal.

So the first question is, how do we ask for help? If you're struggling, I know it's hard. But you deserve to have the support. And there are people that care. Talk to someone you trust. Explain specifically how you are feeling. And don't apologize for it. Ask them to listen, and explain to them how they can support you. Maybe you just need someone to be there. Or maybe you just want them to go for a walk or watch a movie. Focus on something that you enjoy something that you are passionate about, something that might even make you laugh. If you are in immediate danger, you should call or text 988 Right away, or go to a local hospital or urgent care facility for help. S

o next, how do we support a loved one or a friend that is hurting? So we want to talk about what you've noticed and what some of the warning signs are. So have you noticed like long lasting sadness or irritability? Have you noticed extreme highs or lows in their moods? Have you noticed they have excessive fear or worry or anxiety about something? Are they withdrawing socially? Or are there dramatic changes in their eating and sleeping patterns. So approach them in a, you know a quiet private space and tell them that you've noticed some changes in them, and you are worried about their well being.

Be specific about what you've noticed, and why it concerns you. Tell them that you are here to help and to support them, however, they need you to. Ask more questions for understanding and fully listening. Listen to their answers. The key here is listen, do not judge and do not try to fix telling them to just be happy or you have so much going for you. That doesn't help. If they reveal to you that they are in danger of suicide call or text 988 and stay with them. Next, is it okay to ask somebody if they're suicidal? It is okay to ask. And there is data to prove that does not plan any ideas that weren't already there. Ask the person directly about suicidal thoughts and intentions. Are you having thoughts of suicide? Are you thinking about ending your life? Asking these questions will allow them the chance to talk about their problems and show that someone cares and is there to support them? Again, listen, do not judge do not try to fix. Maybe they just don't want to be alone. Maybe they want something compelling companionship for something like a walk or movie or play a game or something that they enjoy.