S4E13-Pressing Pause: Practical Suicide Prevention with OLLIE Foundation CEO, Debi Roberts, on “Safe Talk”-JR’s Hunt;for Life Suicide Prevention Podcast

In this impactful episode of Safe Talk, Jenny Hunter welcomes back Debi Roberts, CEO of the UK based Charity, the OLLIE Foundation (One Life Lost Is Enough), to discuss actionable tools for suicide prevention. Debi shares the importance of pressing pause in moments of crisis, emphasizing the impermanence of suicidal thoughts. The conversation explores creating personalized safety plans, practicing compassionate listening, and recognizing when to seek professional help. Tune in to learn about the OLLIE Foundation’s innovative Safe Plan training workshops, FREE downloads with uplifting, practical activities to promote safety, and how small actions, like metaphorically “standing in the rain” with someone, can save lives.

Key Points Highlighted in the Interview

1. ​ Press Pause as Often as Needed:

* Suicidal crises are often temporary and can last just a few hours. Pressing pause creates space for emotions to shift.

1. ​ Keeping Safe for 4-6 Hours:

* Breaking down time into manageable segments can help individuals navigate waves of distress-even 5 minutes at a time, if necessary.

1. ​ Creating and Using Safety Plans:

* Personalized plans provide structure and resources during crises.

* The OLLIE Foundation offers workshops to guide participants step-by-step in developing Safe Plans.

1. ​ Practical Crisis Response Advice:

* Stay calm, listen without judgment, and prioritize immediate safety.

* Guide individuals toward professional resources and emergency care if needed.

1. ​ Scaffolding Support:

* Build a network of support through friends, family, professionals, and community resources.

1. ​ Using a Care Box:

* Fill it with comforting or distracting items (e.g., seeds to plant, photos, letters).

1. ​ Distractions:

* Focus on enjoyable activities like baking, gardening, or watching light-hearted TV shows.

1. ​ Connecting with Purpose:

* Engage with pets, plants, or hobbies that bring joy.

1. ​ Listing Reasons to Live:

* Compile a written list of motivations, including loved ones, aspirations, or simple pleasures.

1. ​ Seeking Emergency Help:

* If safety cannot be maintained, go to the ER or contact crisis lines like 988.

Examples of Activities to Help “Press Pause”

* Distractions:

* Potting a plant

* Baking a favorite recipe

* Writing a journal entry

* Watching feel-good TV

* Crafting or drawing

* Self-Soothing Activities:

* Box breathing or kite-shaped breathing exercises

* Listening to uplifting music or a comforting podcast

* Reconnecting with nature

* Connecting:

* Spending time with pets or caring for houseplants

* Reaching out to a trusted friend or mentor

* Joining a virtual community class (e.g., art, Pilates)

* Creative Projects:

* Starting a DIY project

* Writing a story or poem

* Planting seeds as a symbol of growth & hope

Debi’s Closing Words:

Debi emphasized that suicide intervention isn’t about solving problems but about being present & keeping someone safe:

"Suicide intervention is not about fixing a problem or fixing anything. It is just about keeping people safe for now. Imagine the little walk-on part in a play. You don’t get to know the beginning or the end of the story, but you can play a vital part in the middle."

She also highlighted the power of presence & empathy:

"It’s just standing in the rain with someone. Metaphorically standing in their rainstorm. It’s all, sometimes, that you need to do."

These compassionate insights reflect the OLLIE Foundation’s mission to save lives & support individuals in crisis.

“Safe Talk” is hosted by Jenny Hunter, founder of the global suicide prevention movement