Understanding Suicide Prevention with Sarah Gaer
Episode Overview
Sarah Gaer's personal journey into suicide prevention began with the loss of her best friend. She highlights the overlap between substance abuse and suicide due to underlying desperation. Emphasises the importance of asking direct questions about suicidal thoughts. Advocates for safe storage of firearms and medications to prevent impulsive acts. Discusses her book 'The Price' which helps law enforcement understand the impact of suicide.
I really believed that caring about people could make a difference.
In this episode of Courage to Hope, Tony LaGreca sits down with Sarah Gaer, a suicide prevention specialist and author. Sarah's journey into suicide prevention began tragically at the age of 20 when she lost her best friend to suicide. This personal experience ignited her passion for mental health, leading her to work in various settings, including residential care and trauma centres.
She shares her unique perspective on the overlap between substance abuse and suicide, highlighting the desperation that often drives individuals to such extremes. Sarah also discusses her work with first responders, particularly men, and the importance of addressing mental health in these high-stress professions. She emphasises the significance of asking direct questions about suicide to potentially save lives and advocates for safe storage of firearms and medications to prevent impulsive acts.
Sarah's book, 'The Price', aims to help law enforcement understand the complexities of suicide and its impact on families and departments. She also touches on her other works, including 'Guts, Grit, and Grind' and 'Goodnight Grace', which support mental health awareness and recovery. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in understanding the intricate connections between mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Sarah's experiences and expertise.