Not every crisis looks like a breakdown. Learn how to spot subtle signs someone’s struggling, and how to respond without overreacting or brushing it off.

You’re sitting in the car after a long shift when a coworker quietly says, “I don’t know how much longer I can do this. Sometimes I wonder if everyone would be better off without me.”

Your heart drops. Are they just venting… or are they really thinking about ending their life?

This is one of the most critical moments you’ll face as a peer supporter or as a trusted coworker. You don’t want to overreact, but you also can’t ignore what you just heard.

In this episode, we’ll break down exactly what to do when a peer mentions suicide, so you’re not stuck guessing or hoping you say the right thing.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• The most important warning signs and risk factors for suicide in high-stress professions
• How to ask directly about suicide using clear, honest language (without making things worse)
• How to persuade a peer to stay safe and accept help when they feel like giving up
• Practical referral options and how to make a “warm handoff” so they’re not left alone in the process

You don’t have to be a clinician to save a life. You just need to notice, ask the hard question, and care enough to stay with them while you connect them to help.

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OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

StressCareDoc.com

Schedule a Discovery Call

https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: www.survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Not every crisis looks like a breakdown. Learn how to spot subtle signs someone’s struggling, and how to respond without overreacting or brushing it off.

Ever look at a coworker and just know something’s off, even if they say they’re fine?

It’s one of the hardest parts of peer support: knowing when to lean in, especially when the signs are subtle.

Not everyone in crisis is going to fall apart in front of you. Sometimes, they’re still showing up to work, cracking jokes, and getting the job done, but inside, they’re unraveling.

If we wait until someone is completely falling apart, we’ve waited too long.

This episode will help you pay attention, spot red flags, and know when—and how—to check in.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• The most common warning signs someone’s struggling emotionally
• What to say (and what NOT to say) when checking in
• Why “I’m fine” isn’t always the truth, and how to keep the door open

You don’t need to diagnose anyone. You just need to notice. And care enough to show up.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

StressCareDoc.com

Schedule a Discovery Call

https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: www.survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

Sometimes the best help isn’t a solution, it’s a safe space. Learn how active listening can help peers feel seen, heard, and ready to open up after a critical incident.

Ever been in a conversation where you could tell someone was struggling… but they weren’t saying much?

You don’t want to push, and you don’t want to say the wrong thing. So what do you do?

The answer is often simpler than we think, listen better.

In peer support, listening is everything. It’s the difference between someone shutting down or finally opening up. But most of us haven’t been taught how to listen well in high-stress, emotional conversations.

This episode gives you the practical skills to do just that. Whether you’re supporting someone after a traumatic call, or sitting with a coworker who’s barely holding it together, these tools will help you show up in a calm, helpful, and human way.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What active listening is, and what it’s not
• How to use body language, tone, and simple cues to make people feel safe
• Four core skills to help peers open up (without advice-giving or oversharing)

Active listening isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present. And it’s one of the most powerful things you can offer as a peer.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

StressCareDoc.com

Schedule a Discovery Call

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: www.survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building