Individuals in suicide crisis are rarely ever in a room without a resource; when that resource is you, do you know what to do? Increasing our knowledge about suicide overall and knowing how to facilitate a safe, honest and meaningful conversation about suicide specifically is an essential component of successful prevention efforts. We know suicide is preventable, but only when we know what to do. Understanding the contributors, risk and protective factors, as well as the warning signs and coping strategies before, during, and after a mental health crisis is critical. As great as understanding and acknowledging this threat to life exists, is the ability for anyone and everyone to understand why and how to help an individual create a plan to stay safe from suicide. While multiple factors influence suicidal behaviors, knowing what suicide may look or sound like, and taking the steps to plan for safety, can be the difference between death and life for someone. There is a safe and unsafe way to have a conversation about suicide – before, during and after the threat to life exists. Responsible language matters as well as the ability to move beyond the conversation into the next step and help someone keep safe from this preventable death. Safety planning is an intervention supported in research. When we think differently, we do different; and when we know better, we do better.
Objectives
- Learn the principals and importance of appropriate language and how to engage in a safe and helpful conversation about suicide.
- Gain a greater understanding of the contributors, risks and protective factors of suicide.
- Receive protocol and learn the core components of individualized safety planning and the importance of lethal means conversations in mitigating suicide fatalities.
When: May 1, 2025 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Hosted by Inspiring Dreams Network and the Marshall University School Health Technical Assistance Center. This Keepers of Life © e-learning session is provided by Brother Up Foundation (Michelle Toman) and Prevent Suicide WV (Barri Faucett).