At The TwenTea Company, we believe in the power of tea to create moments of connection, warmth, and comfort. Sharing a cup of tea with someone can open up conversations that matter, especially when it comes to checking in on a loved one who may be struggling. One of the hardest conversations to start is the one about suicide, but it can also be one of the most important.
Suicide prevention starts with awareness and action, and often, that action is as simple as starting a conversation. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and through our Brew Hope, Sip Life campaign, we’re encouraging everyone to take small steps that can make a big difference. In this post, we’ll explore how to start a conversation about suicide with someone you’re worried about—and how tea can play a special role in creating a safe space for that dialogue.
Why Tea?
Tea has a unique way of slowing things down. The act of brewing, pouring, and sipping tea offers a moment of calm, a pause in the middle of what can often be a busy or chaotic day. Whether shared with a friend, a family member, or even alone, tea invites us to sit down and be present.
This simple ritual of tea can provide the perfect setting to open up a conversation about mental health. Sitting down over a cup of tea signals that you’re there to listen, that you’re creating space for them to feel safe, and that you care.
How to Start the Conversation
If you're worried about someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, the most important thing you can do is start a conversation—open, honest, and compassionate. Here’s how you can do that, using the comforting setting of tea to help ease into the discussion.
1. Create a Safe Space
Start by creating a calm, comfortable environment. Invite the person to have tea with you. Whether at home, in a quiet café, or in a peaceful park, the setting can make all the difference. The simple act of offering tea can be a non-intrusive way to begin.
Example: “I made us some tea. Let’s sit down and chat.”
This sets a relaxed tone and shows that you’re taking time for them. It’s non-pressuring and signals that you’re ready to listen.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
When you’re ready to start the conversation, begin by asking open-ended questions. This allows the person to share as much (or as little) as they feel comfortable. You can gently ease into the topic by expressing concern about what you’ve noticed.
Example: “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit down lately. How have you been feeling?”
Keep your tone soft, non-judgmental, and empathetic. Asking open-ended questions like this invites them to share their feelings without feeling cornered.
3. Listen Without Judgment
One of the most powerful things you can do is simply listen. Let them talk and try to listen without interrupting, offering advice, or minimizing their feelings. Remember that your goal in this moment is to let them know they are heard.
As you both sip your tea, allow pauses in the conversation. Silence can feel uncomfortable, but it can also give the person time to gather their thoughts and share more when they’re ready.
Example: “I’m here for you, and I’m really glad you’re telling me how you’re feeling. You’re not alone in this.”
4. Be Direct, But Compassionate
Talking about suicide can be difficult, but sometimes being direct is the best approach. If you’re worried they may be considering suicide, it’s important to ask the question. Many people fear that asking directly will “plant the idea” in their head, but this is a myth. Asking directly shows that you care and that you’re willing to talk about the hard stuff.
Example: “I care about you a lot, and I need to ask—are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?”
While it may feel intimidating to ask this question, being direct can be a relief to someone who has been struggling with suicidal thoughts but hasn’t known how to express it.
5. Offer Support, Not Solutions
While your instinct may be to try to “fix” the situation, offering support is more important than jumping to solutions. Let them know you’re there for them, and if needed, encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to assist them in finding a therapist, contacting a helpline, or setting up an appointment with a doctor.
Example: “I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We can find someone who can help.”
Remind them that there is help available and that taking the first step to get support can make a world of difference.
Tea as a Tool for Connection
In many cultures, sharing tea is a gesture of care, comfort, and connection. It creates an atmosphere where difficult conversations can happen with a sense of warmth and understanding. It’s often easier to talk about hard things in a setting that feels familiar and safe. Tea has a way of bringing people together, and in this case, it can help bridge the gap when words are hard to find.
As part of our Brew Hope, Sip Life campaign, we encourage everyone to take these small steps towards making a difference in someone’s life. It’s not always easy to start a conversation about suicide, but by doing so, you’re showing your loved one that you care deeply—and that they’re not alone.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for confidential support.
Join the Conversation: #BrewHopeSipLife
Let’s brew hope, sip life, and use the power of human connection to make a real difference—one cup of tea at a time.
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