Today I had a conversation with someone I love. There is concern about the wellness of one of her family members. So I reached out offering any assistance I can.
I received a response to please not share anything I had heard with anyone else because the of the harm the information could do to that individual.
This is so sad to me because the negative stigma lives on. People still think it is embarrassing or humiliating to have illness regarding mental health.
In addition to this concern it was stated that he will be fine because he is strong and loves his family. I cringed at these words. These words made it clear to me that though this person has been the survivor of suicide she has little knowledge of suicide prevention and intervention. She only knows suicide from a victim's viewpoint.
People who love their families very much kill themselves all the time. Suicide is not the opposite of love or intelligence or strength. It is NOT a WEAK or SELFISH act. Ugh.
Suicidal individuals do not love less they just hurt more. They are very good, in fact experts, at dealing with their pain quietly and hiding their emotions.
Those who are not the experts in the filed of suicide or those who have no formal understanding and training, do not know how to identify risk nor do they know what is best to say or what to do to help, certainly not for the lack of caring or love.
Especially those closest to the individuals at risk are least likely to recognize and respond most effectively to warning signs for obvious reasons. They want it to not be true , want all to be OK, want to help, and believe it will...because it is what they want so badly...they will try to convince their loved ones how many reasons they have to be ok and live happy lives.
There is so much to learn. People need to learn more and learn how to prevent this epidemic.
I hope in this case since I have never had the chance to help assess the situation that safety is at hand. I hope all will be OK because I can do no more than I have done. Experts and professionals can only help those who want to help themselves. Whether it is the person at risk, family, or simply members of society who want to be sure they are informed and prepared, everyone should be aware. Everyone should know information and training is available. Help is available!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Another sad loss..18 years old!
Our heart goes out to all the members of the Osmond family. The news tries to report a bit about the tragedy and that is greatly appreciated because any conversation about suicide is better than none. But we as a society cannot possibly learn what we must in order to prevent suicides like this very sad tragedy by listening to a few minutes on the news.
However, why does it take these kinds of tragedies to provoke discussion or education for all?
Please know that suicidal ideation or the thoughts of suicide do not happen over night. Those who commit suicide usually take days, months and even years to finally make the decision to do so. Please know that there are warning signs and there are specific things to say and do if we want to prevent suicide.
Everyone must learn these basic skills. As stated many times in my writings, everyone agrees that people should learn CPR and First Aid skills, well there are suicide prevention skills training that every person can learn also.
Please seek out a suicide prevention person/trainer and learn so that you are prepared, informed, and able to prevent suicide when it presents itself in your world!
ASIST is a wonderful program but there are others as well.
Contact me if interested in learning more!
However, why does it take these kinds of tragedies to provoke discussion or education for all?
Please know that suicidal ideation or the thoughts of suicide do not happen over night. Those who commit suicide usually take days, months and even years to finally make the decision to do so. Please know that there are warning signs and there are specific things to say and do if we want to prevent suicide.
Everyone must learn these basic skills. As stated many times in my writings, everyone agrees that people should learn CPR and First Aid skills, well there are suicide prevention skills training that every person can learn also.
Please seek out a suicide prevention person/trainer and learn so that you are prepared, informed, and able to prevent suicide when it presents itself in your world!
ASIST is a wonderful program but there are others as well.
Contact me if interested in learning more!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Suicide is preventable
Everyone should learn how to identify warning signs of suicide. Everyone should also know what to do when or if they have concerns that someone might be suicidal.
People do not need to become experts just more aware and a little more informed about how to react in the best interest of the person at risk.
A little education can save lives!
People do not need to become experts just more aware and a little more informed about how to react in the best interest of the person at risk.
A little education can save lives!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Holidays and loneliness
Holidays can be hard for those who are suicidal. People who feel hopeless or helpless or are alone could benefit from support of others during this holiday season.
If you know someone who seems lonely or alone...reach out and ask them how they are or if they need anything just to show you care. it might make a difference.
Slip them info about getting help or support too!
If you know someone who seems lonely or alone...reach out and ask them how they are or if they need anything just to show you care. it might make a difference.
Slip them info about getting help or support too!
Monday, November 30, 2009
SPEAK
SPEAK (Suicide Prevention Education Awarness for Kids)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Healthcare Professionals Alert!
There is evidence that a great percentage of people who commit suicide have visited either their PCP or the emergency rooms with ailments. Some disclose their feelings of hopelessness or sadness verbally, while others demonstrate a sad, lonely or distressed demeanor.
Many times since medical healthcare providers are trained and experts of physiological ailments/disorders, they often disregard psychological health/illness symptoms. There are many factors and this can sometimes be understandable but it is not acceptable and needs to be addressed.
There are probably many opportunities for these front runners in healthcare to intervene and provide a supportive resources. They could be saving lives!
Many times since medical healthcare providers are trained and experts of physiological ailments/disorders, they often disregard psychological health/illness symptoms. There are many factors and this can sometimes be understandable but it is not acceptable and needs to be addressed.
There are probably many opportunities for these front runners in healthcare to intervene and provide a supportive resources. They could be saving lives!
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