09-07-26 Kelli Melissa Reinhardt: What If One Conversation Could Save a Life?
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and in this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Make Mental Health Matter Show, host Kelli Melissa Reinhardt opens an important conversation about suicide prevention, self-injury, caregiving, and the difference each of us can make in someone else’s life.
After kicking things off with a little Labor Day humor, including the irony that many of our hardworking laborers still have to work on Labor Day, Kelli turns to a topic that has touched her life personally and profoundly.
Drawing from her own experiences with her sister, two cousins, and her personal history with cutting when she was younger, Kelli shares why recognizing the signs that someone may be struggling matters. She talks about what to look for, what we can say, how to start difficult conversations, and why simply listening without trying to fix everything can be one of the most powerful ways to support someone.
Kelli also breaks down the difference between suicidal behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, or NSSI, helping remove some of the misconceptions surrounding self-injury while sharing part of her own story.
But supporting others can take a toll, too. This episode also explores the importance of caring for ourselves as caregivers, setting boundaries, finding support, and remembering that we cannot pour endlessly from an empty cup.
This isn’t just an episode about suicide awareness. It’s about connection. It’s about paying attention. It’s about having conversations we may be afraid to have. And it’s about understanding that you don’t have to be a mental health professional to listen, care, ask the question, and help connect someone to support.
You never know when one conversation, one question, or one person choosing to stay and listen could make all the difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services in your area.
Together, we can create conversations that save lives and #MakeMentalHealthMatter.
Find ways to help yourself and others here:
Crisis support: https://www.mmhm.org/crisis-support
After an attempt: https://www.mmhm.org/support-after-suicide-attempt-family-guide
After a suicide: https://www.mmhm.org/after-a-suicide-support
Supporting Youth Mental Health: https://www.mmhm.org/supporting-youth-mental-health
Kelli’s links:
www.mmhm.org/show
Facebook.com/kellimelissareinhardt
Instagram.com/kellimelissareinhardt
linkedin.com/in/kellimelissareinhardt
tiktok.com/@warriorformentalhealth
https://www.youtube.com/@MakeMentalHealthMatter
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Need more resources?
www.makementalhealthmatter.org
https://linktr.ee/makementalhealthmatter
