SUICIDE AND CRISIS HOTLINE: Call or Text HOPE to 988

Donate
Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health

Frank King: What to Say When Someone Might Be Suicidal

Practical words, direct questions, and why “bringing it into the sunlight” can save a life

Host: Kelly Poelker
Guest: Frank King
Category: Suicide Prevention · Depression · Communication · Men’s Mental Health

A lot of people want to help — they just don’t know what to say. In this episode of Glow For Hope, host Kelly Poelker sits down with Frank King, known as the “mental health comedian,” for an honest, practical conversation about how to talk about suicide in a way that’s clear, compassionate, and actually helpful.

Frank shares how generational suicide loss and decades of living with depression shaped his mission — and how he came dangerously close to ending his life in 2010 during the recession. He explains why humor isn’t about making suicide a joke — it’s about lowering defenses so people can absorb hard truths and feel less alone.

Most importantly, Frank teaches simple language you can use immediately: how to ask directly if someone is depressed, how to ask if they’re having thoughts of suicide, what to avoid saying, and what to say instead. This is an episode for parents, friends, partners, coworkers, leaders, and anyone who wants to be a safer person to talk to — before crisis.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:43 — 75.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Blubrry | Podchaser | Deezer | Youtube Music | RSS | More

What You’ll Learn

  • Exactly what to say when you’re worried about someone (and why the words matter)
  • Two direct questions that can open the door: “Are you depressed?” and “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
  • Why asking about suicide does not “put the idea in someone’s head”
  • Common signs of depression you can notice (sleep, appetite, mornings vs. afternoons, appearance)
  • What not to say — and why “choose joy” can backfire
  • A stronger replacement: “I’m here for you, and I mean it — I’ll help you get support.”
  • How “burdensomeness” shows up — and how to counter it directly
  • Why men often stay silent, and what helps them open up
  • What to do if someone has a plan (including 988 and urgent next steps)

Guest Spotlight: Frank King

Frank King is a comedian and speaker known as the “mental health comedian.” He wrote jokes for The Tonight Show for 20 years, has delivered multiple TEDx talks, and speaks openly about depression, suicidality, and suicide loss in his family.

Frank uses humor, vulnerability, and real-life stories to make it safer for people to talk about mental health — and to teach audiences how to start the conversations that can save lives.

Key Quotes

“If you can’t ask, ‘Are you having thoughts of suicide?’ find somebody who can.”
“Say, ‘I’m here for you, and I mean it.’ Then help them get treatment.”
“Most people who die by suicide did not want to die. I didn’t want to die — I just wanted to end the pain.”
“You are not a burden. And we would never be better off without you.”
“Those are lifesavers. And now you are too.”

Resources & Next Steps

  • Learn more about Frank:
  • Free Resource from Frank:
    • Guts, Grit, and the Grind: A Mental Mechanics Manual (Book One – Unabridged Audio)
    • Frank has made the full, unabridged version of Book One available free for Glow For Hope listeners: Watch / Listen Here
  • Try this script (save it):
    • “I’ve noticed you seem off. Are you depressed?”
    • “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
    • “I’m here for you, and I mean it. With time and treatment, things can get better — I’ll help you get support.”
  • Visit Glow For Hope: Resources and support at glowforhopenfp.org

Next Episode

We’ll continue sparking conversations that make it safer to speak up — for the person struggling and the person supporting them. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

Support the Show

Glow For Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention through conversation, community, and connection.

Make a Donation Share Glow For Hope

  • Share this episode with someone who wants to know what to say.
  • Leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app.
  • Follow Glow For Hope on social media for events and resources.
  • Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our mission.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone — help is available.

  • United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
  • Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *