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YouTube Are You Really Okay? Suicide Prevention & Human Connection with Lindsey Gray
What do you say when someone you care about isn’t okay—and are you willing to truly listen to the answer?
In this episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Lindsey Gray, a mental health professional and Suicide Prevention Training Manager with Wounded Warrior Project, for a powerful conversation about veteran mental health, suicide prevention, and human connection.
Lindsey explores why veterans can face unique challenges around identity, purpose, belonging, and accessing care—and why the lessons from suicide prevention apply far beyond the veteran community. From the workplace to our closest relationships, they discuss how to recognize when someone may be struggling, ask difficult questions directly, avoid the instinct to immediately “fix” the problem, and create space for people to feel heard.
The conversation also dives into what happens in the brain during a crisis, the importance of time and connection, and a simple but powerful reminder: you don’t need to have the perfect words to make a difference.
Resources & Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Veterans can call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
- Vets4Warriors: 24/7 confidential peer support for veterans and the military community at 855-838-8255.
- Wounded Warrior Project: Veteran mental health, suicide prevention resources, and support.
- The Trevor Project: Crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services.
About Truth Be Told
Hosted by Dave Thompson, CEO of Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ), Truth Be Told explores the psychology and science behind better conversations—from investigative interviewing and difficult workplace discussions to leadership, human behavior, rapport, listening, and the moments when communication matters most.
Wicklander-Zulawski provides science-based investigative interviewing and communication training to professionals across law enforcement, human resources, loss prevention, corporate investigations, and other industries.
Suicide Prevention Training Manager / Mental Health Professional
I am a mental health professional with nearly 15 years of experience working with active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. I have dedicated my career to honoring and empowering the brave men and women who served our country. I have worked in both direct patient care and clinical research. Having personal experience with suicide loss, I am passionate about working to overcome the stigma of seeking help or support, especially within the military and first responder community. I believe that by acknowledging the reality of suicide and its devastating effects on our communities we can create an opportunity for critical dialogue and expand the network of caring individuals and organizations. My work is based on the belief that anyone, regardless of their background or experience, can help to reduce the impact of suicide, simply by having the courage and compassion to start a conversation.