1 / 28

A Strengths-based approach to suicide prevention What you should know and what you can do

Learn about a strengths-based approach to suicide prevention presented in collaboration with the Big Sky Youth Empowerment Program. Gain knowledge on the meaning of suicidal thoughts, debunking suicide myths, identifying warning signs, and effective communication strategies. Discover resources for support and help.

gose
Download Presentation

A Strengths-based approach to suicide prevention What you should know and what you can do

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. A Strengths-based approach to suicide preventionWhat you should know and what you can do Presented in Collaboration with the Big Sky Youth Empowerment Program John Sommers-Flanagan, Ph.D., University of Montana Department of Counselor Education John.sf@mso.umt.edu or https://johnsommersflanagan.com/

  2. Thanks to BYEP

  3. Introductions • John SF – My background– University of Montana • Talking about suicide is “one” of my favorite topics • Blogging at johnsommersflanagan.com • And you . . . survey?

  4. The Plan • We will discuss • The meaning of suicidal thoughts • Suicide myths and fears • What suicidality looks like across six different life domains • Traditional warning signs • How to ask and what to say • Resources

  5. Introductions II • None Of Us Are Getting Out Of Here Alive... • “... So please stop treating yourself like an afterthought. Eat the delicious food. Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly. Be kind. Be weird. There’s no time for anything else.” - NaneaHoffman • Ready?

  6. Information • Although potentially useful, the information I provide today is general and educational and should NOT be considered medical advice. • If you or your friends, family, or coworkers are experiencing depression or suicidal impulses, you should consult with a licensed health or mental health professional.

  7. Our Ground Rules Include • Be open to learning • Communicate respectfully • Engage in learning activities to whatever extent you’re comfortable [*ignore me as needed*] • Take care of yourself while we learn together

  8. Let’s think about suicide • In 1973, Edwin Shneidman, wrote the Encyclopedia Britannica’s definition of suicide: • Suicide is not a disease (although there are those who think so); it is not, in the view of the most detached observers, an immorality.

  9. Suicide and suicidal thoughts . . . • Are not a disease or illness • Are not a moral failing • Most people who think about suicide are sensitive, thoughtful, and intelligent

  10. Strength-Based Holistic model • A strength-based, holistic, model empowers those who struggle with suicide and those who want to help • We focus on strength and wellness, not just problems and illness • What’s good about you?

  11. Myth busting – I • Myth: Suicide Ideation isn’t only about DEATH or DYING • Nope: It’s about EXCRUCIATING OR UNBEARABLE PSYCHOLOGICAL OR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS • Reducing and helping people cope with distress is nearly always the primary focus

  12. Myth busting – II • Myth:Suicidal thoughts and gestures ARE SIGNS OF DEVIANCE or illness • Nope: About 10% of human population will attempt suicide; 20% struggle with SI + SP • Up to 50% of teens; over 50% of suicide deaths had no mental disorder diagnosis (CDC, 2018)

  13. Myth busting – III • Myth: Suicide is predictable and preventable • Nope . . . Suicide is very hard to predict and prevent • IS PATH WARM . . . SAD PERSONS SCALE • Everyone is unique in what is needed for support and help

  14. Statistics • U.S. Suicide Rates: 14/100,000 • MontanaRates: 26/100,000 • Montana Females: 11/100,000 • Montana Native Americans: 29/100,000 • Montana Males: 38/100,000 • Montana Veterans: 66/100,000

  15. Fear busting • Fear: Asking about suicide might cause the person to think of suicide or make it worse. • Nope . . . Nearly everyone reports that being asked is a relief. • People are more resilient than that.

  16. Fear busting – II • Fear:Being direct might open up things more than you feel you can handle. • Maybe . . . But don’t underestimate the power of just being there and being a caring friend or family member • Fancy techniques are no substitute for caring

  17. Case – Cory – A Suicidal Situation Short interview clip 1:51:30 – 1:54:45 Debrief on usefulness of talking

  18. Volunteer Activity

  19. Domains, Problems, Solutions

  20. What to Listen For • Mostly listen for and be accepting of: • Emotional pain • A sense of feeling trapped or ashamed • Not believing or feeling that anything can possibly help • While listening, show empathy and compassion—even if you think the person is being dramatic.

  21. Traditional Warning Signs • These may not always be true, but worth knowing • Active suicidal thinking that includes planning and intent • Preparation and rehearsal behaviors (pills/guns) • Hopelessness • Recklessness, impulsivity, dramatic mood changes • Anger, anxiety, and agitation • Feeling trapped • No reasons for living, no purpose in life, broken relations • Increased alcohol or substance abuse • Immense shame or self-hatred

  22. How Should I Ask? • The answer to this is always, “Ask directly.” But we can do even better than that. • We need to de-shame suicidal thoughts • Before asking, communicate that you know suicidal thoughts are a normal and natural response to emotional pain and disturbing situations.

  23. Practicing: How Should I Ask? • Try out something like this: • “I’ve recently learned that it’s not unusual for people to think about suicide. Have you had any thoughts about suicide?”

  24. What Should I Say? • Thanks for telling me. • Thanks for being so honest, that takes courage. • I know I can’t instantly make everything better, but I want you to live and I want to help. • How can I best support you right now? • What can we do together that would help? • When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold off for just one more day, hour, minute—whatever you can manage.

  25. [Optional] Three-Step Emotional Change Demo • Honor and feel the feeling • Think a new/different thought or do something different • Spread the good mood

  26. Resources • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • Bozeman Help Center – 24-Hour Crisis Line: (406) 586-3333

  27. Conclusion: Summary • Closing Story • What would you like to remember? • Q & R time

  28. Conclusion: Reminders • The mind is a terrible place to go . . . Alone • Which is why we should keep on talking—directly to each other and to other friends, family, and community—about suicide and suicide prevention. • Info at: johnsommersflanagan.com

More Related