In this special episode of The HQ Podcast, we explore one of the most difficult—and most important—of healthcare topics: suicide.

A conversation about suicide likely seems fraught and fearful to most people. Even health professionals, who may be in some of the best positions to save someone from harm, can struggle with where to begin and what to say. How personal should you be, and how vulnerable can you allow yourself to become? How do you create a safe space for dialogue—and what if you say the wrong thing? Perhaps most daunting of all: what happens when a patient, resident, or client says, “Yes, I am thinking about suicide”? In that moment, what is your shared responsibility to both address suicide and instill hope?

To help us explore these questions and more, we’re joined by three remarkable guests who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to this critical conversation.

Note to Listeners: This episode is inspired by “Talking About Suicide: Empowering Healthcare Providers, Instilling Hope in Clients,” a free online micro-learning course developed in partnership between the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and CHA Learning.

It is critically important that we have this conversation and learn the skills to do so safely. So please, after you’ve listened to this episode, share it with your colleagues and networks and explore the free “Talking About Suicide” course. By enrolling, and encouraging others to do the same, you can help reduce stigma and strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers to instill hope when it matters most.

About Our Guests

Anita David

Anita is a Lived Experience Strategic Advisor at BC Mental Health and Co-Chair of the Hallway Group at the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She recently received a King Charles III Coronation Medal for advancing mental health advocacy, education, and research, and fostering strong networks among patients, families and health organizations.

Dr. Cheryl Pollard

Dr. Cheryl Pollard is a professor in the Faculty of Nursing and a recognized thought leader in healthcare education, innovation, and leadership. Her work centers on promoting mental health and well-being, especially for individuals living with mental illness and their caregivers. Dr. Pollard’s research explores the power of compassionate relationships within learning environments and their impact on education. She was inducted as a Fellow of the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education in recognition of her enduring contributions to nursing education.

Dr. Allison Crawford

Allison Crawford, MD, PhD is the Chief Medical Officer for 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline (www.988.ca). She is also a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and a psychiatrist and Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). A key focus of Allison’s work is improving access and equity in mental health care, especially to rural and underserved regions. She has overseen psychiatry services to Nunavut since 2010.

Key Discussions

Why We Need This Conversation

Why talking about suicide remains one of the most avoided topics in healthcare, and what’s at stake when stigma persists.

Understanding Suicide

The prevalence, complexity, and deeply personal nature of suicide—and why no one-size-fits-all approach exists.

Moving Beyond Fear

Exploring the fears healthcare providers carry, and how training and skill-building can replace stigma with confidence.

The Role of Lived Experience

Why involving people with lived and living experience is essential to creating safe, inclusive, and effective conversations.

Building Trust and Hope

Practical strategies for having conversations that are safe, empathetic, and respectful—and that inspire hope.

Context, Culture & Inequities

How context shapes these conversations, the importance of equity, and the systemic changes needed to support suicide prevention.

Leadership in Suicide Prevention

What healthcare leaders can do to foster safe spaces, empower their teams, and champion suicide prevention at an organizational level.

Helpful Resources

Talking About Suicide: Empowering Healthcare Providers, Instilling Hope in Clients (Free Micro Learning Course) | Learn More & Enrol Here

Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) | Website

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline | Website

Tell Us What You Think

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In Focus: A Panel Discusses How to Talk About Suicide in Healthcare