Warning: This podcast contains discussion of suicide and self-harm that may be emotionally challenging for listeners. If you’re struggling or worried about a loved one who may need crisis support, call or text 988. The national lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help you or a loved one experiencing mental health-related distress.
In his latest “Health Care Heart to Heart” podcast, now streaming, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, speaks with Steven Wengel, MD, assistant vice chancellor for campus wellness at UNMC and a professor in the UNMC Department of Psychiatry.
As Suicide Awareness Month nears its end and World Mental Health Awareness Month begins in October, Drs. Gold and Wengel discuss issues surrounding suicide, signs of depression or suicidal ideation and steps friends and family members may take to reach out to someone in crisis.
“It’s hard to bring up the subject, and sometimes we kind of dance around it because we don’t want to insult somebody or whatever,” Dr. Wengel said. “And I’m here to tell you the single best thing a person can do is take the person aside to a private place out of earshot of other people, talk a little bit about their concern.
“Bringing these conversations out of the shadows … it instills hope. I think it’s all about hope.”
“Health Care Heart to Heart” posts new podcasts every other week, as Dr. Gold speaks to national, regional and local health care leaders on issues of importance. On each new episode, Dr. Gold and his guests will share information, explore health care challenges and opportunities and leave listeners thinking about how they, too, can make a difference.
“Health Care Heart to Heart” episodes will be updated on the official podcast website and can be streamed on the following platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.