It’s not Mental Health Month, but…
It sure seems like we're hearing a lot lately about mental health. On my drive to work on Monday morning (I always have the dial set to NPR), Steve Inskeep announced a new series on depression. Then, this morning, I found out KCPT will begin a four part series on suicide starting tonight at 7:30. Marcia Epstein (who will also be featured on the show) posted about the program earlier. As the communications specialist for the Bert Nash Center, I'm glad that these topics are being explored in such a public way. It helps combat the negative stigma associated with mental illness.
Many of you remember, from last year, John McClure, the executive chef and owner of Starker’s Restaurant on the Plaza, took his own life. Then around Thanksgiving, Fox 4 meteorologist Don Harmon took his life as well. Both of these men were in the public eye, yet both of these men kept their depression a secret. Perhaps there were warning signs, and perhaps there weren't. Suicide is an awful thing on many levels and for all the many people affected by it.
No one saw it coming... by talktobert
On a positive note, we here at the Bert Nash Center have been training people for the last three years to learn to recognize the warning signs and perhaps save the life of a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a stranger. Our Mental Health First Aid program is a 12-hour course in which participants learn a single 5-step strategy that includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help and other supports. The goal of MHFA is to increase mental health literacy. Participants are also introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families; and learn information about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.
To learn more about the MHFA program or to sign up for an upcoming course, visit our MHFA website. Our MHFA program was also on same program on KCPT as the one on suicide tonight (see video below)!
Please watch or listen to these current programs, and stay safe and healthy out there.
You can save a life.
For women, the second most common method of committing suicide is self-poisoning including drug overdose. by talktobert
This week is Suicide Prevention Week. Kansas ranks 19th among the 50 states in completed suicides. Douglas County has a higher rate of suicide deaths than the national average. Taken from the Mental Health First Aid certification program, here is some vital information about suicide and what you can do if you recognize and help a person who is in crisis.
Facts about suicide
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 15.2 minutes.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15- to 24-years-olds. The elderly make up 12.6% of the population, but comprise 15.7% of all suicides.
• Approximately 864,950 Americans attempt suicide each year. It is estimated that five million living Americans have attempted to kill themselves.
• Every year in the United States, more than 17,000 men and women kill themselves with a gun; two-thirds more than the number who use a gun to kill another person.
• An estimated 4.6 million Americans are survivors of the suicide of a friend, family member, or loved one.
Warning signs of suicide
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
- Seeking access to means
- Talking or writing about death, dying
or suicide
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or a lack
of purpose
- Acting recklessly or engaging in
risky activities
- Feeling trapped
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from family, friends or
society
- Giving away of personal possessions
or property
- Demonstrating rage and anger or
seeking revenge
- Not showering or shaving for days on
end
- Suddenly acting more aggressive than
usual
- Sleeping all the time
- Being unable or unwilling to eat
Want to know more? Read "Out of the darkness comes hope" by local resident, and suicide survivor, Mariah Riling.
What can you do?
If you encounter a person who appears suicidal, talking about suicide may be a way for the person to indicate just how bad he or she is feeling. There are two common myths surrounding talking about suicide:
- Asking about suicide will put the idea in the person’s mind.
- Someone who talks about suicide isn’t really serious.
If someone is having suicidal feelings, it is vital to check whether the person has definite intentions to take his or her life, or whether the person has been having more vague suicidal thoughts such as, “What’s the point of going on?” To find out, you need to ask questions.
Questions to ask
Ask the person directly whether he or she is suicidal:
- “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
- “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Ask the person whether he or she has a plan:
- “Have you decided how you are going to kill yourself?”
- “Have you decided when you would do it?”
- "Have you collected the things you need to carry out your plan?”
How to talk to a person who is suicidal
Discuss your observations with the person. Ask the question without dread. Do not express a negative judgment. Appear confident, as this can be reassuring. Check for two other risks:
- Has the person been using alcohol or other drugs?
- Has he or she made a suicide attempt in the past
How to help
- Let the person know you are concerned and are willing to help.
- Express empathy for what the person is going through.
- Encourage the person to do most of the talking.
- State that thoughts of suicide are often associated with a treatable mental health challenge.
- Tell the person that thoughts of suicide are common and do not have to be acted on.
DO NOT Leave an actively suicidal person alone or use guilt and threats to try to prevent suicide such as "You will go to hell" or "You will ruin other people's lives if you die by suicide."
Keeping the person safe
Provide a safety contact number that is available at all times:
- In Douglas County, call Headquarters Counseling Center: 785.841.2345
- National Hopeline Network: 1.800.SUICIDE
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK
- Refer them to counselors, psychologists and social workers at the Bert Nash Center: 843-9192
Help the person think about people or things that have been supportive in the past and find out whether those supports are still available. If you would like to know more about suicide prevention and other mental health crisis situations and how you can save a life, please look into Mental Health First Aid classes.
