Suicide. The very word seems shrouded in pain, mystery, and sorrow. It is huge topic, but one that is usually avoided or whispered about. No one wants to talk about suicide and those who are thinking about it or have had a loved one die by suicide often find themselves isolated and alone. Men and women, adults and children, the rich and the poor, people of all ages complete suicide. It knows no stranger. No one is immune to the tragedy of suicide.

My guest today is Dr. Bob Baugher, a professor at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington where he teaches courses in psychology, death and dying, suicide intervention and other topics. He is the author of 9 books, including After Suicide Loss: Coping With Your Grief. Dr. Bob is a suicide intervention trainer with the Washington State Youth Suicide Prevention Program and a trainer for ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) by Livingworks Education, Inc.

The myths are many, the fears are great and the silence is deafening when it comes to suicide. September is national suicide awareness month and we are going to open the door and meet this very difficult topic head on.

You can find Dr. Bob’s books at the Grief Store (www.griefstore.com ) or at [email protected]. Please send your suggestions to us at [email protected], or visit our website at www.griefinc.com.