Welcome back to savvy psychologist. I'm Dr. Jade Wu. Every week I'll help you

meet life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

I had a patient who lost her adult daughter to suicide many years ago.

This patient was one of the kindest, most selfless people I know.

She was a loving mother and grandmother.

A NICU nurse whose life's calling was to take care of sick babies, and an insightful person who was always quick to pick

up on other people's feelings and needs.

After the tragedy, my patient would travel and discover things her daughter would have liked,

which instantly reminded her of her loss.

She would wonder, what if?

What could she have done differently to prevent the suicide?

It broke my heart to see her struggling to be strong for the rest of the family whose lives were falling apart.

Years later, the family is still trying to put the pieces back together.

This family is not alone. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with almost 45,000 victims each year.

That's approximately 123 Americans who die from suicide each day. Many more attempt suicide or have periods

of time when they can't shake thoughts of wanting to end their lives. I've seen many patients

with these demons in their past and their present.

Some still struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Some look upon their second chances with renewed appreciation for life.

All of them are profoundly affected by these experiences

with suicidality. Suicide is a serious and complicated issue.

It's not always easy to see when someone is contemplating suicide,

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