Breaking the Silence: A Conversation about Suicide Prevention

Breaking the Silence: A Conversation about Suicide Prevention

From Emotion Well by Johanna Dunlevy - Wellness Manager

September 2, 2025 · 35 min

About this episode

This episode features a conversation with Hayl Bergeland about suicide prevention and the importance of open discussions around the topic.

This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In this episode of EFR’s Emotion Well Podcast, Hayl Bergeland, Suicide Prevention Grant Coordinator at EFR, joins us for an important conversation on suicide prevention, awareness, and support. Hayl discusses why suicide remains such a difficult topic for people to talk about, the stigma that still surrounds it, and how we can break down barriers by talking openly and compassionately. She also highlights the latest data on suicide in Iowa, the unique risk factors among youth and older adults, and what communities can do to foster prevention and support. She also shares practical steps that can be taken if an individual is worried about someone they love and how to create a safe space for open conversations. Click to see resources for Youth Suicide Prevention Read more on our blog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know Asking Hard Questions: Suicide Prevention You may be interested in our other podcasts: What Zac Knew What Andy Taught Us EFR offers our clients a variety of services…

People in this episode

Guest: Hayl Bergeland

Topics covered

  • suicide prevention
  • mental health
  • awareness
  • support
  • community

Keywords

  • stigma
  • youth
  • older adults
  • risk factors
  • safe space

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Youth Suicide Prevention resources, Suicide Prevention in the Workplace blog

Books & works: Breaking the Silence: A Conversation about Suicide Prevention, What Zac Knew

Places: Iowa

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