{"id":14124,"date":"2026-07-31T13:59:58","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:59:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=14124"},"modified":"2026-07-31T13:59:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T18:59:58","slug":"3-important-actions-if-youre-in-crisis-talk-walk-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/healthier-living\/behavioral-health\/3-important-actions-if-youre-in-crisis-talk-walk-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"3 important actions if you\u2019re in crisis: Talk. Walk. Smile."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Human beings have one thought every nine seconds, about 6.5 thoughts per minute, and 6,000 thoughts per day1<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impressive as that may be, for the more than 14 million U.S. adults2<\/sup> who suffer from suicidal ideation \u2013 i.e. frequent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide \u2013 generating that many thoughts a day can be a curse, not a blessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be clear, suicidal ideation does not always lead to an attempt or suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, \u201cmost people who die by suicide, we are learning increasingly, do struggle with what we now call chronic suicidal ideation,\u201d says Clancy Martin, University of Missouri\u2013Kansas City philosophy professor and author of the book \u201cHow Not To Kill Yourself: A Portrait Of The Suicidal Mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He should know. Martin has struggled with chronic suicidal ideation \u2013 which refers to an extended period of persistent, recurring suicidal thoughts \u2013 since he was a young boy. He has attempted suicide 10 times. His book is part memoir of his own struggles and part practical advice for people suffering from suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Martin repeatedly shares three pieces of practical advice when he talks to someone in crisis. These are tools that work for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk.<\/em>
Walk.<\/em>
Smile.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTaking a walk and simply talking to people \u2013 both are very reliable, immediate medicine. They are the first things I do to try and stop the bleeding, so to speak,\u201d says Martin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talking<\/em> to another person helps relieve the pressure, or as Martin told The New Yorker<\/a>, it helps a person see they\u2019re \u201cnot locked in a coffin sinking into the sea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe whole key is just talking. And for those who are trying to help someone who is suffering, be willing to listen and not try to solve their problems. If you can keep that person talking, just the act of talking will help them start to see that other options are available to them. Just the act of talking will lessen the pressure and will ease the pain,\u201d said Martin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking<\/em> also helps relieve the pressure and removes the person from danger. A suicidal person\u2019s physical environment is not a safe place, because the means, the tool, is likely in that space. \u201cIn my experience, if people go for a walk, they will see things that they otherwise might not see, and that can provide them with a little bit of recollection of why it\u2019s better to live today,\u201d Martin said in a Depresh Mode<\/a> podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, smiling<\/em> at someone, simply making the muscular effort to do so, allows the brain to take over just a little bit and help them feel a bit better, said Martin. Plus, knowing they may have induced even a small amount of happiness in another person can positively impact the trajectory of the person in crisis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who to talk to if you or someone you know is in crisis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Martin emphasizes calling or texting someone immediately if in crisis \u2013 a family member, friend, someone who feels safe, or:<\/p>\n\n\n\n