While I struggle to prevent physician suicide. I discover a man who didn’t seem to struggle at all. With no training in suicide prevention, no training in mental heath, and no medical background, one man saved hundreds of souls from suicide.
Meet Don Ritchie.
He lived beside a popular suicide spot. A life insurance salesman by day, Don sold life to the suffering by night. For 50 years, he coaxed 100s from the cliff’s edge.
How?
He gently asked: “Can I help you in some way?” With a warm smile, he’d offer a cup of hot tea. And invite them over for a chat. Before he died, Don urged others: “Never be afraid to speak to those in most need.”
I have a huge collection of teas. If anyone wants to hang out, call me: 541-345-2437.
A cup of hot tea = the solution to suicide.
Thanks to this man:
Watch video of Don Ritchie. Watch another video of Don Ritchie. Photo credit by Salute to Don Ritchie.
Pamela Wible, M.D., is a family physician obsessed with preventing despair, depression, and suicide among medical students and physicians. She’s so inspired by Don Ritchie!
You might like to see my Powerpoint Presentation on Physician Burnout, prepared for the University of Miami Residents when I was back teaching part-time, while still running my private practice. I got positive feedback, and who knows? It might have helped someone, somehow.
Let me know.
PG
Yep! Please post link here if you can.
Pepi, I hope you post your link here. I’d really like to see your presentation.