Shetira Voth
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month and Mysterious Minds had the honor of interviewing Shetira Voth who is a psychotherapist in private practice about what this month means, why it is important to educate ourselves, and how we can help our loved ones if the times comes.
Question: What is your name and profession?
My name is Shetira Voth, and I am a psychotherapist in private practice, proudly serving as a Licensed Professional Counselor. My work is deeply rooted in the belief that healing is possible, even in the face of life’s most overwhelming challenges. Every day, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex relational dynamics. My mission is not just to help people survive, but to empower them to thrive.
Question: Could you explain a little bit about what your experience is with working with
people who may have suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
My experience with individuals who have suicidal thoughts or behaviors began in one of the most intense and high-stakes environments: the correctional system. My first clinical role was at the only facility in Oklahoma that also serves as a mental health treatment center within the corrections system. The unit I worked in could house up to 80 individuals, and about half of them were there because they had attempted suicide or were struggling with acute mental health crises that their original facility couldn't manage. This was a place where lives hung in the balance, and my unit was tasked with intake and stabilization—essentially functioning as an Intensive Outpatient Program in the correctional setting. The gravity of what we did every day was impossible to ignore, and the pressure to stabilize and offer hope to people in extreme circumstances taught me about the deep complexity of mental health care and suicide prevention.
More recently, my work as a Medical Family Therapist at a pediatric clinic expanded my approach to suicide intervention. I was responsible for real-time crisis interventions when patients screened positive for suicide risk during their routine primary care visits. Imagine coming in for a regular checkup and, in a matter of minutes, being identified as at risk for suicide. In that critical window, I was called in to assess the severity, offer grounding techniques, coping strategies, and provide community resources—sometimes within the span of 15 minutes. It’s astounding how those brief moments of connection and intervention can be life-saving.
While MedFTs are not a common presence in most medical settings, this role is essential. Integrating behavioral health support directly into a medical setting is a game-changer for people who might otherwise never seek help for their mental health. Those 15 minutes during a routine doctor’s visit might be the only opportunity to intervene. It’s a role that bridges the gap between physical and mental health, ensuring that those in distress don’t slip through the cracks. And in those moments, I’ve seen how even a short, compassionate interaction can shift the trajectory of someone’s life.
In both settings, the stakes are high, and the time is short, but the opportunity to make a difference is profound. Whether it has been in my own private practice, a correctional facility or a doctor’s office, my work has shown me that early intervention, immediate support, and compassionate care can truly change—if not save—lives.
Question: September is National Suicide Prevention Month, could you tell us a little about
what that mean to you?
Suicide Prevention Month resonates deeply with me, both as a trauma-informed clinician and as someone personally invested in the well-being of individuals and families. It’s more than a month on the calendar—it’s a call to action, a time to stand up and fiercely advocate for life, for understanding, and for hope. This is a time to elevate the conversation around suicide, breaking the silence and stigma that too often surrounds mental health struggles. For me, it's about shining a light on the pain that people carry in the shadows, particularly those grappling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma.
This month is a reminder that we, as a community, must come together to offer a lifeline to those in crisis. We cannot afford to look away when so many are silently suffering, navigating the turmoil of trauma and emotional dysregulation. In my practice, I see how crucial it is to address the root causes—complex PTSD, abuse, unresolved pain—and how empowering trauma-informed care can save lives. It’s about offering compassion and understanding, but also giving people the tools to heal.
On a broader level, Suicide Prevention Month also challenges families, friends, and loved ones to be part of the solution. Communication and connection are lifelines, and by strengthening these bonds, we can provide critical support to those who feel alone in their pain. In my work with couples and families, I see how essential these relationships are in the fight against suicide.
Personally, this month takes me back to my own experiences as a foster, adoptive, and birth parent. I have witnessed how trauma can leave deep scars, but I’ve also seen the power of healing. This month reinforces my unwavering commitment to helping others find that healing, no matter how heavy their burden.
Ultimately, Suicide Prevention Month is a time for reflection, advocacy, and action. It's a time to assess the progress we’ve made, push for meaningful policy changes, and continue fighting for a world where mental health care is compassionate, informed, and accessible to all. This is a battle we can’t afford to lose, and together, we can save lives.
Question: What do you consider to be the warning signs of suicide?
Verbal Cues
Talking about death or suicide: Statements like "I wish I were dead," "I can't go on," or "Everyone would be better off without me."
Expressing hopelessness or worthlessness: Feeling like a burden, or that life has no purpose or future.
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain: Whether emotional or physical, indicating they don’t see a way out.
Behavioral Changes
Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and social activities.
Increased substance use: Alcohol or drug use often spikes during periods of deep depression or suicidal thoughts.
Giving away possessions: A sign of preparing for death, especially if the items are personally meaningful.
Sudden calmness or mood improvement: After a period of depression, a sudden, unexpected mood lift may indicate they have made the decision to act on suicidal thoughts.
Risk-taking behavior: Reckless actions, such as driving dangerously or engaging in harmful activities.
Changes in sleep patterns: Either sleeping too much or too little, often linked to depression and anxiety.
Mood-Related Indicators
Extreme mood swings: Dramatic shifts in mood, from deep sadness to rage or euphoria.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or emotional numbness.
Anxiety or agitation: Restlessness, irritability, or severe panic attacks.
Loss of interest: Sudden disinterest in activities, hobbies, or things that used to bring joy.
Physical and Cognitive Symptoms
Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene: Losing interest in self-care or looking disheveled.
Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus or make decisions, often a sign of emotional overload.
Trauma and Recent Life Events
Recent traumatic experiences: Loss of a loved one, relationship breakdown, legal problems, or being a victim of abuse.
Increased emotional distress: People dealing with PTSD or cPTSD may be at higher risk due to flashbacks or emotional dysregulation.
Feelings of Hopelessness
Lack of purpose: Feeling as though nothing will improve or that there's no point in trying.
Guilt or shame: Feeling an overwhelming burden of responsibility or self-blame.
Planning and Preparation
Seeking access to means: Searching for weapons, pills, or other methods of self-harm.
Making a plan: Talking about specific methods, locations, or timing for suicide.
Special Considerations for Adolescents and Young Adults:
Increased sensitivity to social stressors: Bullying, social isolation, or academic pressure.
Social media behaviors: Posting about death or exhibiting signs of distress online.
Recognizing these signs early can help you intervene and offer appropriate support. If you notice these signs, it’s important to directly ask the person about their thoughts and feelings regarding suicide. This doesn’t increase risk but can open the door to providing help.
Question: What advice would you give someone who is trying to help someone that may be
showing those warning signs?
Listen Without Judgment
Encourage open communication: Let the person express their thoughts and feelings without interrupting, dismissing, or minimizing what they’re going through.
Validate their emotions: Acknowledge their pain by saying things like, “I hear how much you’re hurting” or “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
Avoid clichés: Don’t say things like “It’s not that bad” or “Just think positive,” as it can feel dismissive of their pain.
Ask Directly About Suicide
Be straightforward: Asking directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you considering hurting yourself?” opens the door for honest conversation and shows that you're taking their pain seriously.
Don’t fear asking: Contrary to popular belief, asking about suicide does not increase the risk of someone acting on suicidal thoughts. It can, in fact, reduce their sense of isolation.
Offer Support Without Trying to Fix It
Be present: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be there. Sit with the person in their distress without feeling like you need to provide all the answers or “solve” their problems.
Encourage professional help: Gently guide them toward speaking to a counselor, therapist, or crisis hotline. Let them know it’s okay to seek help and that professionals are there to support them.
Know the Warning Signs
Educate yourself: Understand the signs of suicide, like withdrawal, giving away possessions, or talking about feeling like a burden. Being informed allows you to act quickly if necessary.
Create a Safety Plan
Remove access to means: If possible, help make the environment safer by removing access to harmful objects like weapons, medications, or other means they might consider.
Discuss coping strategies: Work together to identify people they trust, calming activities, or emergency contacts they can rely on when feeling overwhelmed.
Encourage Professional Intervention
Support them in seeking help: Whether it’s helping them schedule an appointment with a therapist, going with them to a counseling session, or connecting them with a suicide hotline, reinforce that professional help is available and beneficial.
Provide crisis resources: Offer numbers for crisis helplines, such as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 in the U.S.), or local emergency services.
Be Patient and Persistent
Check in regularly: Even if the person says they’re “fine,” continue to check in on them regularly to show ongoing support.
Understand their hesitancy: They may not want to talk right away or may push you away, but it’s essential to remain patient and show that you care over time.
Take Care of Yourself
Set boundaries: Helping someone in crisis can be emotionally draining. Encourage them to seek professional support and ensure you are looking after your own mental health.
Know your limits: As a support person, you can be a powerful part of their safety net, but you can’t replace professional help.
Crisis Resources (for the U.S.):
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
An approach grounded in empathy, active listening and compassion helps to intervene safely in the life of someone at risk of suicide.
Question: Finally could you explain why we should take suicide prevention seriously?
Suicide prevention is not just important—it’s absolutely critical, especially in a state like Oklahoma where unique challenges make it an urgent public health crisis. Our state has consistently faced suicide rates higher than the national average, and that should be a wake-up call to every single one of us. This isn’t just a statistic; these are real people—our veterans, Native American communities, young adults, and even children—who are silently suffering, often in isolation.
In Oklahoma, the barriers to mental health care are substantial. Rural isolation, economic hardships, and the pervasive stigma around mental health all compound to create a perfect storm where people feel trapped, hopeless, and unable to access the support they desperately need. It’s a dangerous cycle—without accessible mental health care, those struggling are more likely to spiral deeper into despair, and that’s where suicide risk escalates.
Perhaps most heartbreaking is the rise in youth suicides. Our adolescents, facing the pressures of bullying, academic stress, and family instability, are increasingly vulnerable. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a crisis that demands immediate action. When we fail to address the root causes of this pain, especially childhood trauma like abuse or neglect, we allow cycles of substance use, emotional turmoil, and suicidal ideation to take hold.
Suicide prevention isn’t just about intervening in moments of crisis; it’s about getting upstream and addressing the factors that lead to those dark moments. It’s about ensuring that no one feels so alone, so isolated, or so unseen that they believe there’s no other way out. We need to be relentless in our efforts to create a culture where asking for help is not only accepted but encouraged, and where access to mental health care is not a privilege, but a right.
For Oklahoma—and everywhere—this is a fight we cannot afford to lose. When we take suicide prevention seriously, we save lives. We give hope to the hopeless, light to those in darkness, and a future to those who thought they had none. Now is the time for communities to come together, for awareness to spread, and for every one of us to commit to fighting this battle with everything we’ve got. Lives depend on it.
