By SPRC, The Weekly Spark
Man Therapy, a free and interactive mental health website for men, has just added content specifically for veterans and military service members. Examples of the new content include tips for dealing with issues such as disordered sleep, stress, and difficult transitions; sports and recreation programs and camps; traumatic brain injury resources; videos; and information for families to support veterans in their lives.
By SPRC, The Weekly Spark
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Saturday, November 21, 2015 is this year’s International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This observance began in 1999 when Senator Harry Reid, himself a loss survivor, introduced a resolution to designate the Saturday before Thanksgiving National Survivors of Suicide Day—an occasion for families and friends of people who died by suicide to join together for healing and support. That day was chosen because the holidays are often a difficult time for loss survivors. With the World Health Organization reporting approximately 800,000 people dying by suicide each year, it soon became clear there was a global need for this observance, which is now officially called International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) organizes and supports Survivor Day events in more than 300 locations in the United States and 18 other countries. For many suicide loss survivors, attending these healing conferences is the first time they realize they are not alone. The events provide loss survivors with tools, resources, and a support network to help manage their grief and healing journeys. While the programming differs across events—there may be panel discussions, keynote speakers, educational sessions, and so forth— each event includes a screening of an AFSP-produced documentary about the suicide loss experience. AFSP launched its documentary series on last year’s Survivor Day. The series shares personal stories of hope and healing after a suicide loss and explores the range of experiences and emotions people face as they heal. The first film in the series, The Journey, features a range of loss survivors including parents who lost a child, children who lost a parent, a husband who lost his wife, and one loss survivor who had not spoken about losing a loved one for more than a decade. The film also features expert commentary by AFSP Chief Medical Officer Christine Moutier, who provides guidance on hope and healing throughout the stories. This year’s film, Family Journeys, traces the ripple effects of a suicide through the experiences of three families. It shows how the members of each family—together and as individuals—are weathering the loss of their loved ones and how they are healing and finding new meaning. For those who do not live near an event location or who may not be ready to attend an in-person event, AFSP provides the option to participate in Survivor Day through a simultaneous online event during which they can watch the new documentary and join a live discussion with experts and fellow loss survivors. These important events would not happen without the participation of the many loss survivors who are speaking up about suicide and reaching out to the newly bereaved. It’s inspiring to see their passion for helping others. We’re glad to be a part of this life-saving work. Thanks to their efforts, the way our society treats families who have lost loved ones to suicide is changing for the better. More loss survivors are able to open up about their experiences, which is critical to the healing process. We hope you will join them—and AFSP—in their efforts to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Visit SurvivorDay.org to learn more and to get involved. By Suicide Prevention Resource Center - Read Article October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Bullying involvement - including bullying others and getting bullied - can have increased risk for suicide-related behaviors.
Learn more about the relationship between bullying and suicide Visit VetoViolence for more information Suicide is preventable and is a significant public health issue. In 2013, there were over 41,000 suicides in the United States – an average of 113 each day. Each suicide takes a substantial toll on individuals, families and communities. The medical costs and lost wages associated with suicide are estimated to be $51 billion per year. These numbers underestimate the severity of the problem. In 2013, over 494,000 people were treated in US emergency departments for self-inflected injuries. In addition, many more people struggle with thoughts of suicide. For every one suicide, there were over 229 adults who seriously considered suicide.
The risk for suicidal behavior is complex. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide but some groups are at higher risk than others. Men are about four times more likely than women to die from suicide. However, women are more likely to express suicidal thoughts and to make nonfatal attempts than men. In the past, suicide was addressed by providing mental health services to people who were already experiencing or showing signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior. While such services are critical, preventing suicide at a national level will require approaches that go beyond mental health issues to address broader family, community, and societal issues. Please join us for this session of Grand Rounds as we discuss the strategies needed to promote broader awareness of suicide and the role that public health can play in identifying factors that reduce the risk of suicide, and in promoting actions and programs that protect people from engaging in suicidal behavior. Watch the Presentation Presidential Proclamation -- World Suicide Prevention Day, 2015
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY, 2015 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION All people deserve the opportunity to live healthy, rewarding lives. No American should have their potential limited, have their life cut short, or be deprived of their fullest measure of happiness because they do not have the mental health support they need. On World Suicide Prevention Day, we reaffirm our belief that mental health is an essential part of overall health, and together, we renew our commitment to supporting and empowering all Americans to seek the care they need. Suicide is often related to serious depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions. That is why recognizing severe psychological distress and ensuring access to the care and services needed to diagnose and treat mental illness are crucial to our efforts to prevent suicide. Individuals can also experience emotional and mental health crises in response to a wide range of situations -- from difficulties in personal relationships to the loss of a job to bullying at school. And for some of our Nation's veterans and military service members, these challenges are compounded by the invisible wounds of war. Tragically, these crises can sometimes involve thoughts of suicide -- and we must do more to support those suffering. All Americans can take part in promoting mental well-being and preventing suicide. Everyone can contribute to a culture where individuals are supported and accepted for who they are -- no matter what they look like, who they love, or what challenges they face -- and where it is okay to ask for help. We can do more to recognize the signs of mental health issues early and encourage those in need to reach out for support. And we must remind our loved ones that seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know is in need of help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers immediate assistance for all Americans at 1-800-273-TALK. Veterans, service members, and their loved ones can call this number to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, and they can also send a text message to 838255. The Affordable Care Act extends mental health and substance use disorder benefits and parity protections to over 60 million Americans, helping men and women across our country access critical care. Protections under the health care law prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, like a diagnosis of mental illness, and require most insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without copays, including behavioral assessments for children and depression screenings. In February, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act to help fill serious gaps in serving veterans with post-traumatic stress and other illnesses. This law builds upon our ongoing efforts to end the tragedy of suicide among our troops and veterans. Last year, I announced 19 Executive actions to make it easier for service members and veterans to access the care they need when they need it, and our Government has focused additional resources on mental health services, including increasing the number of mental health providers at the Department of Veterans Affairs. My Administration is also committed to doing all we can to empower those facing challenges and hardship. We are dedicated to combating bullying, harassment, and discrimination in our schools and communities. We are doing more to guarantee all veterans and members of our Armed Forces -- as well as their families -- get the help they deserve while they are serving our Nation, as they transition to civilian life, and long after they have returned home. And across the Federal Government, we are working to ensure all Americans are supported in times of crisis. Suicide prevention is the responsibility of all people. One small act -- the decision to reach out to your neighbor, offer support to a friend, or encourage a veteran in need to seek help -- can make a difference. It can help energize a national conversation and a changing attitude across America. If you are hurting, know this: You are not forgotten. You are never alone. Your country is here for you, and help is available. As we pause to raise awareness of the importance of suicide prevention, let us remember all those we have lost and the loved ones they left behind. As one people, we stand with all who struggle with mental illness, and we continue our work to prevent this heartbreak in our communities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 10, 2015, as World Suicide Prevention Day. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise awareness of the mental health resources and support services available in their communities and encourage all those in need to seek the care and treatment necessary for a long and healthy life. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA # # # September 6-12, 2015 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Use the hashtag #StopSuicide to join the conversation on social media.
To learn more visit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention If there has been a recent suicide attempt in your family, this may be one of the toughest experiences you and your children may ever face. It is important to take care of yourself, so that you are better able to care for your child.
This guide is intended to provide you with some of that support, and also share other resources that may be helpful for you now and as your family recovers. The guide is not intended to replace professional mental health advice. In fact, it may be best to use this along with professional support if you or your child is struggling with how to talk about this difficult subject. Learn more about how to talk to a child about suicide attempt in your family By Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention New survey results show that almost 90 percent of Americans value mental health and physical health equally.
The survey results are part of the Mental Health and Suicide Survey that was conducted on behalf of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention. “Progress is being made in how Americans view mental health, and the important role it plays in our everyday lives. People see the connection between mental health and overall well-being, our ability to function at work and at home, and how we view the world around us. I am encouraged by the survey findings – respondents want to help a loved one by connecting them to the right mental health treatment and support,” said Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The survey identified age and gender trends in mental health and suicide prevention, including:
By American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Read Article The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Suicide Prevention Commission released its annual report at the Arapahoe-Douglas Mental Health Network Wednesday morning.
In 2014, 1,058 people in Colorado died by suicide which the highest number ever recorded. In 2013, 1,004 people died by suicide. That number was down to 867 in 2010. To offer perspective, 486 people died in car crashes in 2014. News Release by Nelson Garcia, KUSA, 9News | Read Article
During the month of August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Violence Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) are sponsoring a social media project, 1 Photo, 6 Words #VetoViolence.
To participate in this project, take a photo or create a unique image with 6 words that:
CDC will select entries to be featured on their VetoViolence Facebook and federal social media channels during National Suicide Prevention Month in September. Learn More
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