Welcome to PracticALGEE, our See Something, Say Something, Do Something Podcast Series,
Our goal is to equip and support our Alumni in becoming more confident and effective as a Mental Health First Aiders. This is Part Two and we will be diving into the ‘Saying Something’ part of our role.
When it comes to speaking up, it’s natural to feel unsure or hesitant. We might worry about saying the wrong thing, getting a negative reaction or making things worse. But one way to overcome this is to imagine your words as a lifeline—a critical connection that could alter the course of someone’s life.
Thinking about this, I remembered a powerful story from my instructor training. It was told by a young man who miraculously survived a suicide attempt by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. A few minutes before he jumped, he said a young lady came up to him and asked him to take her picture. He recalled thinking that if just one person, even a stranger, had asked him how he was doing or if he was all right, he would not have jumped. A simple question could have changed everything. Our words, infused with care and concern, can be that lifeline.
Now, our words aren’t a guarantee of rescue, but they can be a vital opportunity for connection. Whether someone is battling thoughts of suicide or simply feeling overwhelmed, our words, guided by ALGEE, can make a profound difference. Like a life preserver tossed into a stormy sea, what we say can offer hope and support in moments of crisis or challenge.
Closing Thoughts
As I was preparing this edition, I found myself reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan and the lyrics of an old hymn, called Throw Out the Life. They reinforced a clear message: we have the power to throw out a lifeline. Just as you wouldn’t hesitate to throw a life preserver to someone struggling in a pool, we mustn’t hesitate to use ALGEE when someone is struggling mentally or emotionally.
So, let’s commit to using our lifeline—our ALGEE training—to Say Something… and make a difference, one conversation at a time.
I hope you will join us next time as we continue Part Two, where we’ll explore the ‘Who’ of Saying Something
Remember, your words matter. Say Something. Save a life.