General Listening Quiz

Content Warning: This conversation deals with suicide and depression.

In 2012, our son, Joshua, died by suicide (see joshuascottdavis.org), and we know that so many people around the world have had family or friends who have ended their lives. To provide help and open discussion, I decided to create this listening activity. So, to begin with, what are some of the reasons why people consider taking their own lives? What are some warning signs of suicide, and what are three things friends and family can do to help someone who might are thinking about suicide?

“feel bummed out” = feel very depressed
“My son felt really bummed out after some kids at school made fun of his clothes.”

“your heart sinks” = feel very unhappy
“My father’s heart sank when he found out my mom had cancer.”

Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:

• be or feel down (verb): feel sad or depressed
  – My sister has felt really down since she lost her job.
• hang out with (verb): spend time with
  – Are you going to hang out with your friends tonight? It might cheer you up.
• consider (verb): think about
  – You should consider meeting with a psychologist to discuss your concerns and problems.
• pick on (verb): treat someone badly
  – Several boys were picking on Andrew at school today, and now he doesn’t want to go to school tomorrow.
• address (verb): deal with or talk about something
  – How is the school addressing the two recent suicides with all of the students?
• post (verb): publish a message, picture, or document.
  – Three girls posted terrible messages about our daughter online, and now she is feeling very depressed and suicidal.
• phase (noun): a part or step of a process
  – Some people might say that feeling down is just a phase in a teenager’s life, but such situations should be taken seriously.
• be at a loss (idiom): not know what to say or do
  – We were at a loss on how to help our son with his depression, so we got professional help from a therapist.
• crisis (noun): dangerous or difficult emergency (plural form is crises)
  – The loss of a job, good health, or loved one can be significant crises that everyone might face at some point in their lives.
• assessment (noun): a check, test, or evaluation
  – The hospital needs to do an assessment of his emotional state before they admit him.
• impact (noun): effect
  – Your physical health can have an impact on your emotional health.
• run the risk (idiom): take the risk
  – You should take Ashley to see a therapist soon. You just don’t want to run the risk of her doing something to harm herself.
• haul (verb): pull, drag, or force someone to go somewhere
  – The police had to haul the man to the hospital because he became a danger to himself.

Have you ever experienced any of the pain and struggles Daniel is going through in the conversation? How did you feel and how did these experiences impact your life? What things have you found helpful in your own life to get yourself through a sad or depressive state?

Reflect on the topic and search for online resources in your area where people can go for support.