Why do trauma workers, first responders, and therapists almost never ask for help themselves? In this episode, I get honest about suicidal thoughts, how I understand my own suicidal part through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens, and how to build a simple pre-safety plan you can start today.

This episode almost didn't happen. It started as a response to hearing that three police officers died by suicide in Ontario, but while I was trying to create it, I lost a former student, lost my own dog Winston, and got difficult news about my mom's health. I had to give myself permission to wait a couple of weeks before I could sit down and talk about this with you. I was living it while I was creating it.

We talk about what actually stops helpers from reaching out, and what actually helps. I also walk you through something I don't usually get this specific about: understanding a suicidal part not as something broken, but as a protector, and how to build your own pre-safety plan right where you're sitting, just in case someday you need it.

In this episode:

• Why helpers, first responders, and therapists hesitate to reach out for support
• Recognizing that suicidal thoughts can show up during grief
• The real research on what helps people take that first step
• Online therapy, counselling, peer support, and communities as lower-barrier ways into receiving help
• Understanding a suicidal part through an IFS lens, not as something broken, but as a protector
• Building a simple, personal pre-safety plan you can use starting today
• A closing prayer for anyone carrying grief right now

If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. In both Canada and the US, you can call or text 988, anytime, day or night.

If this episode helps you, I'd love it if you shared it with someone who might need it too.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.