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Suicide in America Today and How it Affects School Aged Children

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Suicide in America Today: Why the Department of Education should begin Nationwide Suicide Prevention Training and Education to School-Aged Children

By Theresa Capobianco

Suicide claims the life of someone every 40 seconds (“Suicide Data”). According to the CDC, suicide has become the third leading cause of death for those between 10-24 years of age. (“Suicide Among Youth”). By now, we should be able to recognize that suicide has surpassed being a public health concern because it has become an epidemic. Suicide is affecting people of all ages across the world (“Suicide Data”). While suicide is preventable, finding a solution remains baffling by even the most educated including, but not limited to, psychiatrists, physicians, government, and even those who run our educational system. For this reason, it is clear, that we need to dedicate our time and resources to finding a solution to suicide. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Education should develop and institute a national suicide education and prevention program among school-aged children because accessing our youth through schools would be a low-cost initiative. In addition, educating our children about warning signs and appropriate responses can aid in suicide prevention. Moreover, the use of pre-screenings for early detection of suicidal tendencies can save lives.

Suicide doesn’t discriminate based on age, sex, race, social class, or cultural background. Suicide can affect anyone given the right amount of life stressors such as depression, bullying, loss of a job or partner, or losing your home could all lead to suicidal ideation (“Suicide Rising”). As a result, it is crucial that we begin teaching our children about suicide, the risk factors, how to help someone in need, and where to go for help. Using our children as a target audience could invoke change from the ground up by using education as a tool to empower our children. Admittedly, our teachers and counselors would have to find time to not only learn the information, but then teach the children when they already have a full schedule. While teachers would need to be trained, the guidance counselor could serve to be the best person to oversee the implementation and program requirements. The guidance counselor would administer screenings, help teach the curriculum, and embrace those children who need the extra support. Most guidance counselors have a degree in psychology, or education, and are generally required to have completed a master’s degree. Therefore, their education and background are well suited for this type of evaluation and help. Some people will argue that the program will interfere with the already heavy curriculum.  However, the results of the program will be inconsequential to the time spent. 

Our children spend much of their day at school or involved in school activities making this familiar environment the best platform for a captured audience. Some will argue that it will be too expensive to find the time and resources to teach the program. However, Cara Katz, a professor for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba, suggests that schools would be a low-cost initiative to prevention education. Kats postulates that various schools have instituted programs for suicide prevention which have been effective and have not hindered the student’s standard curriculum. In addition, guidance counselors are already part of the school budget. Thereby, the school will not incur the cost of additional staff. In a study performed by Katz, and colleagues, they discovered that the Good Behavior Game and Signs of Suicide (SOS) proved to be the most effective programs in suicide prevention and reducing suicide ideation among school-aged children. The Good Behavior Game is currently being used in 38 states and has been around since 1999 (“PAX”). The game is an evidence-based training program which has been designed for the classroom setting to improve a child’s self-regulation and increase pro-social behavior. The game has been proven to improve a child’s academic, behavioral, and attitude throughout life (“PAX”). Elizabeth Schilling, a biostatistician for the University of Connecticut Health Center, shows the effectiveness of the current school-based program, Signs of Suicide (SOS). Schilling, and colleagues, found that the SOS program was successful in reducing suicide attempts and ideation by 64% among high school students. The SOS program serves as a pre-screening tool to help find those who are suffering and direct those people to real treatment options (“Mindwise”). 

The use of screenings, among our school-aged children, would provide early detection of suicide ideation. Dr. Sean Joe, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, reports that screening for suicidal tendencies in children can aid in suicide prevention. In addition, Joe posits that suicide prevention and education can be divided into three categories; schoolwide suicide screening, in-service training for teachers and staff, and curriculum programs. Dr. Joe performed a study to determine how such screenings could be implemented with the use of guidance counselors and social workers. As a result, Joe found that guidance counselors, and social workers, are well-qualified to administer such screenings. One example of an effective risk assessment screening is the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). The C-SSRS can be quickly administered and has been proven to be successful in the assessment of suicidal ideation among all ages (“Columbia-Suicide”). Furthermore, if a child exhibits signs of suicide or self-harm, the guidance counselors, can always reach out to their local social workers to help intervene. Dr. Joe postulates that social workers play an instrumental role in today’s schools. Thus, social workers can use their experience relating to suicide risk assessment and management to assist in reviewing the screening results and determine the proper solutions for those who exhibit signs of suicidal tendencies (Pederson). 

Teaching our youth about the warning signs and how to respond appropriately will prevent suicide. Some parents may have concerns about the nature of the program and the discussion of suicide in general. However, eliminating the disconnect, or stigma, among children and suicide can empower our children to help others and themselves through knowledge. Dr. Corinne David-Ferdon, who works for the CDC, has addressed suicide with an approach to teach protective factors throughout life. There are techniques currently being used, and proven successful, by organization’s which have fostered the same ideology in their own training and approach (David-Fernon). Such programs include the Air Force Suicide Prevention Group. The Suicide Prevention Group was designed with a focus on personal training, teaching help-seeking behavior and coping mechanisms to our veterans. Teaching our children similar techniques to deal with social stressors such as depression or bullying can be utilized now and carried on throughout the child’s life. Moreover, Dr. Tulin Fidan, an assistant professor for Eskisehir Osmangazi University, performed a controlled study of patients that were and were not suicidal. Dr. Fidan discovered that better coping strategies, along with family support, can prevent suicide thoughts and actions. Further, effective coping mechanisms provide emotional stability which lead to better decision-making abilities as well as being able to handle life’s hardships (Steele). 

We can’t wait any longer to address the issue of suicide. Our schools are the perfect forum for a controlled environment with an audience that can learn a new way to deal with suicide. The schools are already equipped to handle the implementation of a suicide program with guidance counselors to administer screening and training. If the child deems further need, our social workers can come to the rescue and help the child get the attention he or she needs. There are effective screening methods to detect suicide ideation before it becomes an action. Empowerment and knowledge should play a significant role in the prevention of suicide. By starting with our children, we will be able to create a new thought pattern which will act as a wave of change for the generations who follow. The Department of Education makes great strides for the betterment of, and education for, children of all ages. Therefore, prevention and training should be paramount to helping those same children stay alive. Who better than the Department of Education to lead the way.

Works Cited

David-Ferdon, Corinne, et al. “CDC Grand Rounds: Preventing Suicide Through a Comprehensive Public Health Approach.” Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 2016, 894-89. Academic Search Complete. Web. 21 Feb 2019

Fidan, Tulin. “Coping Strategies and Family Functionality in Youths with and without Suicide Attempts.”, Archives of Neuropsychiatry, vol. 48, issue 3, 2011, 195-200, Accessed 11 April 2019

Joe, Sean. “Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention Screening in Schools.” Children & Schools, vol. 29, issue 4, 2007, 219-227. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 March 2019

Katz, Cara et al. “A Systematic Review of the School-Based Suicide Prevention Programs.” Depression & Anxiety (1091-4269), vol. 30, issue 10, 2018, 1030-1045. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 March 2019

Mindwise Innovations. “Signs of Suicide (SOS).”, Mindwise.org, https://www.mindwise.org/, Accessed 15 April 2019

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).”, suicidepreventionlifeline.org, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Suicide-Risk-Assessment-C-SSRS-Lifeline-Version-2014.pdf, 2008, Accessed 15 April 2019

PAX Institute, “Good Behavior Game”, Goodbehaviorgame.org, https://www.goodbehaviorgame.org/, 2018, Web. 15 April 2019

Pederson, Cathy et al. “Invisible Illness Increases Risk of Suicidal Ideation: The Role of Social Workers in Preventing Suicide.” Health & Social Work, vol. 42, issue 3, 2017, 183-185. Academic Search Complete. Web. 11 April 2019

Schilling, Elizabeth et al. “The SOS Suicide Prevention Program: Further Evidence of Efficacy and Effectiveness.” Prevention Science, vol. 17, issue 2, 2016, 157-166. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 March 2019

Steele, Ian. “Understanding Suicide Across the Lifespan: A United States Prospective of Suicide Risk Factors, Assessment & Management.” Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 63, no. 1, 1-10. Academic Search Complete. Web. 25 March 2019

United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Suicide Among Youth.”, CDC.gov, https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/suicideyouth.html, September 15, 2017, Accessed 11 April 2019

United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Suicide Rising Across the US: More than a Mental Health Concern.”, CDC.gov, www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html#anchor_1527687759, June 7, 2018, Accessed 16 January 2019

World Health Organization. “Suicide Data.”, Who.int, https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suicideprevent/en/, 2018 Accessed 15 April 2019

Suicide from a Christian Perspective

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Suicide From a Christian Perspective by Diamin Torres

“Hunter’s House of Hope” is a Christian-based organization that aims to prevent suicide.
It began in 2021 and was founded by the family and friends of Hunter Thomas Capobianco, who
took his life nearly three and a half years ago. I chose to work with this suicide prevention
organization because of the way that Hunter personally changed my life. I met Hunter when I
was fifteen and he was my best friend throughout high school. Unfortunately, during the middle
of my senior year, he took his own life. He actually passed away the day before my eighteenth
birthday. He was my favorite person, so much so that I have a tattoo dedicated to him. To know
him was to love him. I felt an immense amount of guilt for about 2 years before going to seek the
help that I needed to reassure me that it was not my fault.

Losing Hunter had left me completely devastated. I did not know how to go on with life
and live in a world without him. However, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I credit
Hunter as the sole reason why I became so interested in psychology and helping others. This
pushed me to become a psychology major in hopes of becoming a therapist or a counselor to
help those who feel hopeless; the way that I wish I would have been more knowledgeable and
aware to help him.

The founder of the organization is Theresea Capobianco. She was Hunter’s aunt. She
graduated with a Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University with a Bachelor of
Science in Criminal Justice degree. After her nephew’s death, she spent months researching the
causes of suicide and suicide prevention. Through her research, she learned about the rates of
suicide in Broward County, Florida, and how so many individuals are not receiving crucial
support. Theresa decided to do something about the lack of support in one location through a
“whole person” approach. In addition, she wanted a way to commemorate Hunter and let him
live on forever.

Suicide-prevention has become very important to me because I know so many people
who have no faith or lost hope and feel like there is no other way out. I know so many people
that do not believe their life could change or get better and they, unfortunately, do not have the
proper resources to show them otherwise. I want to be able to help them in any way that I
possibly can, even if it’s by giving clinically approved advice or just listening to people. It’s
something that I am extremely passionate about and I feel as though this was part of God’s plan,
and purpose for me.

The organization is located in Hunter’s hometown of Cooper City, Florida. Since I cannot
physically be there to give my service, I volunteer virtually by assisting in any projects they
have. Although it is mainly focused on providing the proper resources to help prevent suicide,
they also help people in other areas. They provide food and clothing to the homeless, provide
resources and local hotlines for people dealing with depression or anxiety, create videos and
music playlists to encourage people who feel down, and have their team members working with
those who need help getting a job- whether it is creating a resume or job hunting, they are always
happy to help.

Suicide is not talked about as often as it should be. The term itself “suicide” originated in
means “self” (sui) “to kill” (cide). Suicide is a complex public health issue. It requires
coordination and cooperation among health care providers, the community, family and friends,
and treatment services. Suicide is preventable. According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading
cause of death in the U.S. for all ages. Every day, 123 Americans die by a successful suicide.
There is one death by suicide in the U.S. every 12 minutes. According to “Suicide statistics and
Facts” (2018), each year, depression affects 25% of Americans over the age of 18. Only 50% of
all Americans receive treatment for major depression. Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in
the world each year (roughly equals to about one death every 40 seconds). According to “Facts
About Suicide” (2018), suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world for those aged
15-24 years. Suicide among males is 4 times higher than their female counterparts. Male deaths
represent 79% of all U.S. suicides. However, suicide is not exclusive and does not discriminate.
It touches people of all ages, racial, ethnic, economic classes, social, and religious groups.
Suicidal behavior is complex. This means that it is not a response to one specific problem that a
person is experiencing.

Suicide is a very sensitive but important topic. With the best resources possible, people
can be saved from the point of no return. Suicide affects not only the person who is capable of
taking their life but the people who loved that person. Each suicide is unique because numerous
factors contribute to it. Each individual effort to predict and prevent suicide can result in a
different outcome for the person who wants to commit suicide. In current times, our knowledge
of risk factors is increasing greatly.

The warning signs of suicide are indicators that a person may be in serious danger and
may need immediate help. These signs include: talking about wanting to die or killing oneself,
looking for a way to kill oneself, talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose, talking
about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, feeling like a burden to others, increasing use
of alcohol or drugs, expressing feelings of anxiousness, agitation, or recklessness, sleeping too
little or too much, showing rage, and displaying extreme mood swings (Johan Bilsen, 2018).
People thinking about suicide may feel like suicide is their only way out. They may feel
disconnected from the world around them, and they often feel like nothing will change to
improve their situation (whatever it may be) in their life.

The best ways to help someone are by reaching out, listening to them, checking their
safety, taking action, and getting help. The transition from a suicidal idea to a completed suicide
often occurs, unexpectedly and impulsively (especially among adolescents). People who
committed suicide tend to have very poor problem-solving skills. According to Johan Bilsen
(2018), their behavior was characterized by a rather passive attitude, waiting for someone else to
solve the problem for them. This applied to all types of problems, whether they were easy or
more complex.

When a person is suicidal, these are a few ideal choices that should be made according to
the specific situation. In Emergency situations, (if a person has attempted suicide or is injured or
knows someone who is injured) it is best to call 911 or a local emergency number. It’s important
to not leave the person alone. If the person is not injured but is still at immediate risk of harming
oneself, the same rule applies. There is also a suicide hotline number in the U.S. that can be
called (the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255). This allows callers to reach
a trained volunteer. In Non-Emergency Situations, (if someone has suicidal thoughts, but isn’t in
a crisis state) outpatient treatment is best recommended (Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts, 2018).
If a person has concerns for someone who they think is in danger of hurting themselves, it would
also be ideal to have an open and honest discussion. It is also suggested that the individual offers encouragement and support. The suicidal individual should seek a qualified doctor or mental health provider and make an appointment.

Treatment of suicidal thoughts and behavior depends on specific situations. These include
the level of suicide risk and what underlying problems may be causing suicidal thoughts or
behavior. According to “The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: We Can All Prevent Suicide”,
some other risk factors are mental disorders (particularly mood disorders, anxiety disorders,
schizophrenia, and certain personality disorders), impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies, history
of trauma or abuse, and low self-esteem. Yossi Levi-Belz (2019) says “given its being one of the
most severe human behaviors, a distinct focus would be to identify the underlying psychological
processes that may lead to suicidal ideation and behavior.” Jeffrey A. Bridge (2014) supports this
statement by adding “meaningful improvements in the management of psychiatric disorders in
primary care settings require systemic changes in primary care practice and access to a
comprehensive system of mental health services.”

This treatment may include: psychotherapy, medications, addiction treatments, family
support and education. Psychotherapy helps explore the issues that would make someone feel
suicidal and learn skills to help manage emotions more effectively. Therapists and clients can
collaborate together to develop a treatment plan and goals. Medications such as antipsychotic
medications, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other medications for mental illness
can help reduce symptoms, which can help someone feel less suicidal. There are also addiction
treatments for drug or alcohol addiction. These include detoxification, addiction treatment
programs, and self-help group meetings. Family support and education is another way of
working towards treatment and recovery (Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts, 2018). Involving them
in treatment can help them understand what that suicidal person is going through. It can also be
beneficial when it comes to communication between the families and the other relationships that
the suicidal individual has.

From a Christian perspective, suicide is a sin against God as the creator and it rejects
God’s sovereignty. According to “Suicide from a Christian Perspective” (2014), the difference
between suicide and other sins is that successful suicide allows no time for repentance. The
church has viewed suicide to be the prime example of self-idolatry. All of biblical examples were
characters who were wiped out spiritually or went through periods of spiritual collapse (before
they took their life). Many of these biblical examples were in pain or afraid before committing
suicide. Suicide is not an unpardonable sin; however, suicide is sinful. According to M. Agency
(2014), suicide is also seen as poor guidance and control of one’s body. It demonstrates
misdirected love and is injurious to others and overlooks the value of human suffering as
Christian believers are called to suffer with Christ. Christianity acknowledges the emptiness and
brokenness of the world. At the same time, it offers reborness, hope, and abundant life as Jesus,
himself, shared in man’s pain and suffering. He provided redemption and restoration (M.
Agency, 2014).

Scripture tells us that everyone is a fallen person. It happens to parents, children, and
everyone in between. It happens to both believers and unbelievers alike. According to “Faith and
Suicide Among Teens and Young Adults” (2020), from a biblical psychological and purely
human point of view, this fallen condition suggests that Christians will not be immune to suicidal
thoughts and tendencies. The article suggests praying and enlisting others to lift the suicidal
person up before God. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, help the person seek help
immediately. There are plenty of Christian therapists who are willing to discuss clients’
situations.

According to Alicezac (2014), there are a few ways that churches can help. First, they can
start by knowing the truth; they must acknowledge misconceptions about suicide and faith. A
huge misconception is that depression is a sign of a lack of faith. The truth is that devoted
Christians are not immune to mental health challenges, and no measure of faith can provide a
guaranteed shield against depression. Alicezac (2014) provides an example stating that “Many
well-known Christian leaders, from Charles Spurgeon to Ann Voskamp, have dealt with
depression and thoughts of suicide”. Therefore, having any kind of mental illness does not mean
that a person has lost faith or is not following God.

The next thing the churches could do is proclaim the truth. Many churches remain silent
on mental illness. A survey conducted by “Lifeway and Focus on the Family” found that nearly
half of pastors rarely or never speak on the subject to their churches in sermons or large group
messages (Alicezac, 2014). If the subject of mental illness is not talked about, it is more likely to
be seen as dishonorable. This stigma shame often prevents people from sharing their struggles.
By speaking freely and declaring the truth, churches have the power to express to those who are
suffering that they have worth and are loved by Jesus and are accepted by other believers.
The next thing to do is to encourage treatment. Due to the exact misconceptions
mentioned earlier, those who are struggling may feel ashamed; therefore, this prevents them from
seeking treatment (even from the Church). A huge stigma is that mental illness can be cured by
faith and prayer alone. Churches can encourage followers to seek care that will tend to their
specific situation. The “Lifeway and Focus on the Family” survey concluded that over two thirds
of pastors openly express that their churches hold a list of professionals who deal with mental
health. However, only 28 percent of families know that their churches have a list or that a list
even exists (Alicezac, 2014).

Finally, it’s important for the church to be an example to exhibit Christ’s love to those
who are in a great amount of pain. This can be done by seeking those who are hurt and making
efforts to listen and reaching out. This can be done even in small ways by showing signs of
recognition and by lending a helping hand. They can also continue to pray with and for those
who are suffering by asking God to give them grace daily and lead them to care options that can
help them manage or overcome their difficulties.

I have attended many meetings in which we were brainstorming ideas for fundraising for
the group in order to make donations. I helped to create a musical playlist to give encouragement
to people who feel down. I also helped create a code of policy list that will be used to train
crisis-center volunteers. I have found my time working with this organization to be completely
enjoyable, and I will be working with this group beyond what was required for this class. It
really uplifted my spirit and just made me feel good doing something that was bigger than
myself. By being able to volunteer, I felt closer to Jesus.

As you have taught us, in the lesson regarding to Chirstianity, we aim to be closer to
Jesus by doing things he would do or what is considered “Christ-like” by serving others. I felt
very much like a “little Christian/ Christ” by helping in ways I know that he would have, as he
was incredibly selfless and kind. In conclusion, suicide is a topic that needs to be talked about
more and needs more awareness. It is a problem found in many different countries, and it
transcends cultures. Children, young adults, and adults all can experience suicidal tendencies.
Mental disorders, family histories, trauma, abuse, previous suicide attempts, and personality
characteristics combined with psychosocial stressors are huge factors in suicide. By being aware
of these factors, someone somewhere can be saved. I was very confused on what I wanted to do
with my life, but as mentioned earlier, Hunter helped push me into the direction I am on today. I
have no doubt in my heart that God chose me to be on the very path that I am on. If I could help
at least one person from ending their life or help others to recognize the signs, it would all be
worth it.

References
Agency, M. (2014, October 14). Suicide from a Christian Perspective. Retrieved April 05,
2021, from https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/suicide-from-a-christian-perspective/
Alicezac. (2018, September 19). Four Ways Churches Can Help Prevent Suicide.
Retrieved April 05, 2021, from
https://wellcommunity.org/2018/09/06/four-ways-churches-can-help-prevent-suicide/
Bilsen, J. (2018, October 11). Suicide and youth: Risk factors. Retrieved February 25,
2021, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00540/full
Bridge, J., Horowitz, L., Fontanella, C., Grupp-Phelan, J., & Campo, J. (2014,
September). Prioritizing research to reduce youth suicide and suicidal behavior. Retrieved
February 25, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4143663/
Faith and suicide among teens and young adults. (2020, August 06). Retrieved April 05,
2021, from
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/faith-and-suicide-among-teens-and-young-adults/
Hunter’s House of Hope. (n.d.). Retrieved April 05, 2021, from https://huntershouseofhope.org/
Levi-Belz, Y., Gvion, Y., & Apter, A. (2019). Editorial: The psychology of Suicide: From
Research understandings to intervention and treatment. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 10.
doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00214
Suicide statistics and facts. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2021, from
https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/
The role of faith communities. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2021, from
https://www.sprc.org/sites/default/files/migrate/library/faith_dialogue.pdf
We can all prevent suicide. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2021, from
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

How to Stop Suicide

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How to Stop Suicide for yourself and others...

Blog 2 – How to Stop Suicide for yourself and others…

For You:

We are our own worst critics most of the time. Some of us find it easier to be nice to others, but not show ourselves the same love and self-compassion (Firestone). If this sounds familiar, don’t stress, we’ve all been there. Self-Awareness is when you recognize how and why you are suffering. I suggest writing it down to help you come up with a strategy to conquer whatever you’re going through. Practicing self-compassion means treating yourself like you would treat a family member or friend, if they were faced with the same situation. While we are all very different, we all have imperfections! That’s one thing that makes us the same! We are all human and made in a flawed version. Whether you’re a person of faith, or science, both will show you that no one is perfect. It doesn’t matter if you have money, friends, fame, or whatever else is holding you back from succeeding in your mind. Our brains are complicated machines, and we need to understand that it’s our mind AND life stresses that cause us to become depressed or hopeless. Thus, we need to start with our mind in order to fix outside issues. Without a clear mind, we won’t accomplish much. Going easy on yourself is the first step to avoiding that rabbit hole of despair.

Once you’ve determined what is causing you to be depressed, or stressed out, it’s best to come up with a strategy and approach. That’s actually where the vision for Hunter’s House of Hope began. I wanted to know at what point did we lose Hunter. So, I sat down and wrote out various life stressors during different intervals of his life, and development in general. Such things like puberty, peer pressure, social media exposure, glorification of suicide, economic strain, personal loss of family/friend/child, or an inability to cope with change. I truly believe that social media has heavily added to changing the dynamic of peer pressure by making everything we do available for all to see. Twenty years ago, if you were being peer pressured to do something, you could find new friends. Today, however, you have to make sure no one publicly humiliates you or ostracizes you from a group. Further, it concerns me that we’ve allowed children and adults alike the opportunity to get caught up in this reality show to the point where people are committing suicide on such platforms as Facebook Live. Just google “facebook live suicide news story” in your browser and several new reports populate. 

Which brings me back to the beginning of this blog, you are NOT alone. Each of us is struggling in one way or another. Some more severe than others, but a struggle still the same. BUT if we can retrain ourselves to be more compassionate with ourselves. We’re off to a good start for healing!!

For Our Loved Ones:

First, being aware of the signs that someone may be considering suicide is the most important!! Check out the first blog, if you haven’t already… But in order to prevent suicide, the CDC postulates there are two goals needed: “reduced factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience and coping” (Suicide, CDC). While researching topics to discuss in these blogs, I came across this webpage recently. As I went through their chart, I was surprised to see that the foundation of Hunter’s House of Hope was built around these key strategies and approach. 

For instance, Hunter’s House of Hope was designed to provide useful life services such as job assistance, housing/shelter, food and clothing. The first strategy mentioned by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was to “strengthen” economic support with an approach to help with financial security and stable housing. We’ve got you covered!!

Another service we provide is mental health assistance. However, we carefully select those whom we partner with to ensure the best care possible and removing the difficulty of finding the right doctor for the right person, or reason. With our advocacy, we remove those barriers and frustration, by getting to know the person’s individual situation and placing them in good hands. The second strategy on listed by the CDC is “strengthen access and delivery of suicide care”. We can do that too!!

In addition, we’re able to “create protective environments” by helping those who may be in danger or risk to find shelter and protection (Suicide, CDC). The strategy list goes on to talk about coping, support systems, and postvention. We will have AA, NA, and grief sessions to help reduce suicidal ideation after the loss of a loved one or those struggling with addiction. We want to engage the community with our monthly events to promote education and empowerment for our neighbors. We are stronger in numbers than alone… 

If you’re interested in more information about what to look for and how to stop suicide, take a look at this quick article in Psychology Today written by Lisa Firestone, Ph.D. 

How Can You Stop a Suicide? | Psychology Today 

References:

Center for Disease Control (CDC). (2019). Suicide: Prevention Strategies. Retrieved from Prevention Strategies|Suicide|Violence Prevention|Injury Center|CDC

Firestone, L. (2013). How You Can Stop a Suicide? Retrieved from How Can You Stop a Suicide? | Psychology Today

Warning Signs of Suicidal Ideology and How to Respond

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Welcome to Hunter’s House of Hope blog… Our blog will be used to help educate and empower our community on a public platform without all the interruptions called life. Our blog is designed to help the reader take a deep dive into the topics and issues surrounding suicide prevention and awareness. Because we know how busy life can be, each blog will be a quick overview or synopsis of various empirical articles, journals, and other peer reviewed information. Helping the reader absorb the facts in just a few minutes and providing links if curiosity takes control!

Suicide has/is affected all of us in some capacity or another. Maybe someone in your family, peer or co-worker, and if not on a personal level, think of celebrities. The first celebrity I think of is Robin Williams. He sticks out the most because he always played the happiest and funniest parts in real life and animation. Think about those around you right now… The pandemic has really put a strain on our families and friends. According to Psycom, there is a direct correlation between Covid-19 and the spike in suicide rates (The Impact). Between job loss, isolation, and living in constant fear, we all have a pretty good idea why people are more desperate than ever. Leading to suicide ideology and dark times for so many people. That is why we need to be diligent in our efforts to educate ourselves and others on what to look for and how to respond to those we love.

HelpGuide is a non-profit organization that provided a great article on warning signs and how to respond if you believe someone is in danger. First, it’s important to know what causes suicide so that we can know what ques we’re looking for. Depression is the key ingredient when someone is feeling hopeless or alone. Suicide is the boiling point that pushes a person to extreme measures. When someone is suffering so much that they would rather end their life than deal with their situation, it must be pretty bad regardless of our perspective of the situation. Therefore, be sure to speak gently when asking questions and try to avoid passing judgment.

Signs to be aware of (in no particular order):

  • If someone is talking about suicide, dying, or self-harm – PAY ATTENTION
  • If someone is looking for a means to carry out their curiosity – GET HELP
  • If someone is preoccupied with death such as writing poems or using social media – TELL SOMEONE
  • If someone sees no hope for the future or they feel helpless – LISTEN CLOSELY
  • If someone feels like a burden or worthless which can be derived from shame or guilt – DON’T WAIT TO ACT
  • If someone starts giving away possessions or starts making end of life arrangements – WARNING SIGN
  • If someone starts withdrawing from your group or family functions or calls to say good-bye at random – START ASKING QUESTIONS
  • If someone starts abusing alcohol or drugs in excess, reckless behavior and the opposite a sudden sense of calm after being depressed – STAY ALERT

All of these bullet points are important to remember and always here for your quick reference. However, it’s not just about being able to see the signs if you don’t know how to respond. But with 3 easy steps to remember, you’ll be prepared!!

  1. Speak up if you’re worried! Don’t wait to say something. You don’t need a medical degree to determine isn’t happy. You can say things like; I’m concerned about you lately or you seem different or not yourself lately… Once you get the person talking, use open ended questions which allows the person room to talk freely. Such as, how can I help or have you thought about getting help?

  2. Decide the level of risk; low to severe –
  • Low – Thoughts about suicide, but no plan.
  • Moderate – Thoughts about suicide, but vague plan.
  • High – Thoughts about suicide with specific plan but says will not do it.
  • Severe – Thought about suicide with specific plan and time set.
  1. Offer help and support. If you think there is immediate danger to that person, get professional help immediately. If that person needs a friend and some direction, call us, or a nearby crisis center. Encourage that person to get help and follow up with them about their treatment. Be proactive by dropping by their house or plan a night out. Help them by promoting positive life changes like exercise. If you feel like that person needs a tighter support system, reach out to family and friends to create a safety plan to remove potential means of suicide such as pills, weapons, etc. At Hunter’s House of Hope long-term support is crucial for a successful recovery not matter what someone is battling.

Do’s & Do Not’s when talking to someone who might be considering suicide:

DO: Be yourself, listen, be sympathetic and not judgmental, offer hope, and be sure to take the person seriously.

DO NOT: Argue with the person, promise confidentiality, or blame yourself. You cannot fix anyone, but you can direct them on a better path by helping them find the help they need.

To learn more about the information provided, please see the two referencde links listed below.

Helpguide. (September 2020). Suicide Prevention. Retrieved from Suicide Prevention – HelpGuide.org

Psycom. (August 2020). The Impact of Covid-19 on Suicide Rates. Retrieved from The Impact Of Covid-19 On Suicide Rates (psycom.net)