During the Talking Stick Circle discussion focused on how youths can overcome the loss of their peers through suicide and how communities can better identify and recognize potential victims, at the same time becoming more aware of the myths and facts about the problem. Stating that within the Nation "suicide attempts have not reached epidemic proportions", TwoBulls nevertheless feels that we need to be aware that it can happen. "We have to tell the truth about it, we can’t hide our heads in the sand", she added. With nearly 30 years experience in the field, she is confident that if made aware of a potential suicide that she can help. She recalled that while working in South Dakota she talked to a man determined to jump from a three-story ledge out of the attempt. He received the needed counseling and to her knowledge never contemplated suicide again. She stressed that while for some, the attempt may be an isolated event, it is important to be there "before it’s too late". Too often she added though people feel "it can’t happen in our family or community", suicide occurs equally in all classes of people, no group is immune. The facts regarding suicide are grim.

The current statistics, which experts claim may understate the problem are worth considering: 1) For every two homicides in the United States there are three suicides. 2) Every one hour and forty-five minutes a young person (age 15-24) commits suicide. 3) Teen/youth suicide rates have tripled since 1970. 4) Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Native American teens. 5) In the next 24 hours, an estimated 1439 teens will attempt suicide.

During the session it was stated that people attempt suicide for a number of reasons. TwoBulls stated that sometimes people may slash their wrists not bad enough to bleed to death but enough to draw medical attention, "a cry for help" she explained. Others may see death as a solution to all their problems. Some attempt or commit suicide on a dare, to defy death, because of mental illness or a need to make a final statement about their lives.

Contrary to the myth that all people who commit suicide are mentally ill, TwoBulls explained that while many people who attempt suicide are depressed or unhappy, only a small portion of those people are psychotic or have some other form of mental illness. While the tendency to commit suicide is not inherited or passed on between generations, the environment in which a person lives sometimes encourages suicidal behavior. The use of alcohol and other drugs has been found to be closely related to suicide. Having a firearm in the home greatly increases the risk of youth suicide. Sixty-four percent of suicide victims between 10 and 24 years-old use a firearm to commit the act.

TwoBulls stressed that when talking to someone wanting to take their lives or being told of someone thinking of suicide she acts immediately. "If you wait until tomorrow it may be too late", she explained. While she has the skills needed to talk to people and the knowledge of where to find them help, there are things everyone can do. A handout detailing "How to Talk to a Friend Who is Talking About Suicide" was handed out and discussed. The advice is worth repeating. It could the life of the potential victim and take away the guilt of the friend.

• Talk openly and frankly. Talking about suicide doesn’t make someone commit suicide.
• Don’t be shocked. Instead show that you are concerned and want to help.
• Don’t tell a friend that her ideas about suicide are silly or dumb. It will only make her sorry she told you in the first place.
• Don’t say "snap out of it" or pull yourself together". Someone who is depressed can’t just "snap out of it."
• Show that you understand how your friend feels, but don’t ask "why", that will encourage your friend to be defensive.
• Say things like "I don’t want you to do that, I’d like to help you somehow" or "it would be awful if you killed yourself."
• Encourage or insist that your friend talk to a teacher, parent, brother, sister or a trusted relative or adult who can help.
• Stick with your friend through this difficult period even though she’s not much fun to be with.
• Help your friend stay away from drugs or alcohol. They only make things worse.
• Encourage your friend to eat well and get enough rest, important to staying in shape and feeling good.
• Don’t promise to keep your friend’s plans about suicide a secret. Your first duty is to save your friend’s life.
• Ask a trusted adult what to do. Don’t try to handle the problem by yourself. You’ll feel guilty and responsible if your friend does commit suicide.

TwoBulls concluded that she hopes to take information presented at the session to other Ho-Chunk communities. She believes that we all need to find a new of communicating, identifying and resolving the problem issues relating to suicide.