About 14,000,000 people (12M adults and 2M youth) are estimated to experience serious thoughts of suicide each year. That’s about 1 in 20 people. And yet, many of the friends, family, classmates and co-workers that surround these people are unaware because — for many good reasons — people don’t always disclose this information. The good news is for every 300 people who have serious suicidal thoughts, 299 will live through them.

In this episode, I interview Dr. Katie Gordon, a clinical psychologist and the author of the recently published book “The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook.” We talk about her H.O.P.E. approach to helping people cope with and learn from suicidal thoughts.

H = Seek help to broaden ideas about how to manage suicidal intensity.
O = Find optimism by searching for things to look forward to.
P = Change perspective through tools like “opposite action” and by putting your thoughts on trial.
E = Attend to emotions through self-compassion and emotional regulation strategies.

About Dr. Katie Gordon

Kathryn H. Gordon, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Prior to working as a therapist, she was a professor for ten years. She was recognized as an Inspiring Teacher for her classes about psychopathology, empirically-supported therapy, and cultural diversity. Dr. Gordon is a mental health researcher who has published over eighty scientific articles and book chapters on suicidal behavior, disordered eating, and related topics. She co-hosts Psychodrama Podcast, blogs for Psychology Today, and shares mental health information through her website, kathrynhgordon.com. Dr. Gordon's recently released book, The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook is a designed to provide relief and solutions when suicidal thoughts take over. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this compassionate workbook offers practical tools to guide people toward a place of hope. Used as a self-help resource or to augment therapy, the workbook helps people identify their reasons for living, manage intense emotions and painful thoughts, and create a safe environment when they are in a crisis.

Illustrations by Alyse Ruriani