Episode 121 Resources: Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Release Date: Wednesday – September 6, 2023
Archive Episode 121: Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Guests:

• Rachelle Burns, Chair of the EscaRosa Suicide Prevention Coalition in Santa Rosa County, Florida
• Lauren Anzaldo, Member of the EscaRosa Suicide Prevention Coalition, Veterans Support Team, in Santa Rosa County, Florida

Moderator and Host: Barry Whaley, Project Director of the Southeast ADA Center

Description
September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, and September 10^th is World Suicide Prevention Day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC: “Suicide rates increased about 36% from 2000 to 2021. Suicide resulted in 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2021 about 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned a suicide and 1.7 million attempted suicide. “ (Source: cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html)

Our guests for this ADA Live! episode are Rachelle Burns, Chair of the EscaRosa Suicide Prevention Coalition in Santa Rosa County, Florida, and Lauren Anzaldo, a member of the EscaRosa Suicide Prevention Coalition Veterans Support Team. They will share about suicide prevention and awareness and how we can help those in need of support, including at-risk populations such as military veterans and youth. Join us for this honest discussion on a difficult topic.

Contents

• Featured in This Episode
• If You Need Help Now
• Suicide Facts, Statistics & Research
• Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Treatment
• Suicide Prevention Training
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Suicide Prevention Programs and Resources
• Other Suicide Prevention Resources for Veterans
• Understanding and Preventing Youth Suicide
• ADA Live Podcasts and Resources on Mental Health and the ADA
• How You Can Help Stop Suicide

Featured in This Episode

EscaRosa Suicide Prevention Coalition in Santa Rosa County, Florida
Email: info@suicidepreventionescarosa.org
Website: suicidepreventionescarosa.org

If You Need Help Now

• National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741 – anytime 24/7.
  Chat online at: 988lifeline.org
  Link: 988lifeline.org
• 988 Lifeline Resources for the Deaf and Hearing Loss Communities
  Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741 – anytime 24/7.
  Chat online at: 988lifeline.org.
  For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
  Link: 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/for-deaf-hard-of-hearing
• ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
  Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.
  CONOCER MÁS
  Link: 988lifeline.org/es/servicios-en-espanol

Suicide Facts, Statistics & Research

• Suicide Statistics
  Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  Link: afsp.org/suicide-statistics
• Find the Suicide Facts & Laws in Your State
  Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  Link: afsp.org/state-facts
• Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs
  Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  Link: afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs
• Suicide Data and Statistics
  Note: As of September 2023, most of the current data is from 2021.
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Link: cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html
• Facts About Suicide
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Link: cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
• Disparities in Suicide Rates
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Link: cdc.gov/suicide/facts/disparities-in-suicide.html
• 2022 Survey Results on Public Perception of Mental Health and Suicide
  Source: Suicide Prevention Now
  Link: suicidepreventionnow.org
• Report: Reducing Military and Veteran Suicide [PDF]
  Source: The White House (November 2021)
  Link: whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Military-and-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Strategy.pdf
• Fact Sheet: New Strategy Outlines Five Priorities for Reducing Military and Veteran Suicide
  Source: The White House (November 2, 2021)
  Link: whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/02/fact-sheet-new-strategy-outlines-five-priorities-for-reducing-military-and-veteran-suicide

Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Treatment

• Suicide Therapies, Medications and Brief Interventions
  Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  Link: afsp.org/suicide-prevention-interventions-and-treatments
• Help with Suicide and Suicidal Behavior
  Information is also available in Spanish.
  Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  Link: samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
  Helps strengthen suicide prevention efforts of state, tribal, community, and campus organizations, and other organizations that serve populations with high suicide rates. It provides technical assistance, training, resource materials and a newsletter, an online library, and customized information for professionals working to prevent suicide. SPRC also co-produces the Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention.
  Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  Website: sprc.org
  Best Practices: bpr.sprc.org
• Crisis Intercept Mapping for Service Members, Veterans and Their Families (SMVF) Suicide Prevention
  Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  Link: samhsa.gov/smvf-ta-center/activities/crisis-intercept-mapping
• Resources for Survivors of Suicide Loss
  Source: Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
  Link: sprc.org/populations/survivors-of-suicide-loss
• Preventing Suicide Information and Resources
  Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  Link: samhsa.gov/suicide
• Counseling and Support – Mental Health Resources
  Source: ADA National Network
  Link: adacovid19.org/counseling
• Suicide Warning Signs/Risk Factors/Treatments
  Note: The website resources are also available in Spanish.
  Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  Link: nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
• Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide (FAQs)
  Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  Link: nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq
• Infographic: Warning Signs of Suicide
  PDF file download available in English and Spanish.
  Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  Link: nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide
• Infographic: 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain
  PDF download available in English and Spanish.
  Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  Link: nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/5-action-steps-for-helping-someone-in-emotional-pain

Suicide Prevention Training

• QPR Institute – Question. Persuade. Refer.
  This training is available online and in person. It teaches the three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide: Question. Persuade. Refer (QPR). For phone assistance, call: 1-888-726-7926.
  Link: qprinstitute.com
• Hope Squad
  A peer-to-peer youth suicide prevention program that reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention.
  Link: hopesquad.com
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
  ASIST is a two-day training program that teaches participants how to help those at risk for suicide. Although many healthcare professionals use ASIST, anyone 16 years or older can use the approach, regardless of professional background. ASIST workshops cost money to attend, with cost varying by training site. Authoring Agency: LivingWorks Education
  Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  SAMHSA Link: samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/applied-suicide-intervention-skills-training-asist
  ASIST Link: livingworks.net/asist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Suicide Prevention Programs and Resources

Anytime 24/7 – Call the confidential Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1.

• Veteran Suicide Prevention Webpage
  Link: va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/suicide-prevention
• VA S.A.V.E. Training
  This free course (4 lessons and 0.5 hours of video content) helps develop a general understanding of the problem of suicide in the United States; understand how to identify a Veteran who may be at risk for suicide; and know what to do if you identify a Veteran at risk. “S.A.V.E.” stands for Signs, Ask, Validate, Expedite and Encourage.
  Source: Psych/Armor
  Link: learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save
• Psych/Armor Online Training Course Library
  Link: learn.psycharmor.org/collections
• Brochure: Learn about VA S.A.V.E. Training [PDF]
  Link: mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/VA_SAVE_Training.pdf
• VA S.A.V.E. YouTube Video [Captioned, 17 minutes, 35 seconds]
  Link: youtube.com/watch?v=Eljsbl3zu-A

Other Suicide Prevention Resources for Veterans

• Veteran and Military Suicide Prevention Resources
  Source: National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance)
  Link: theactionalliance.org/veteran-and-military-suicide-prevention-resources
• Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families
  Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  Link: samhsa.gov/smvf-ta-center/mayors-governors-challenges
• Guide to Suicide Prevention
  Source: Military OneSource, U.S. Department of Defense
  Link: militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/suicide-prevention
• Information on Suicide Prevention
  Source: Military.com
  Link: military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/suicide-prevention

Understanding and Preventing Youth Suicide

• Suicide in Children and Teens
  Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  Link: aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teen-Suicide-010.aspx
• Suicide Safety: Precautions at Home
  Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  Link: aacap.org/AACAP/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/suicide-safety-130.aspx
• What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide
  Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  Link: nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Youth-Suicide
• Back to School Resources
  Includes resources for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and other high-risk groups, common risk factors, tips on what to do, and more.
  Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  Link: nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Back-to-School-Resources
• Youth Suicide Prevention Resources
  Source: Youth.gov
  Link: youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-suicide-prevention

ADA Live Podcasts and Resources on Mental Health and the ADA

You can access all ADA Live! episodes with archived audio, accessible transcripts, and resources at ADAlive.org. Most episode transcripts are also available in Spanish. (Transcripciones de los episodios en español.) Listen on the SoundCloud ADA Live! channel at soundcloud.com/adalive.
Note: These resources were originally developed to help individuals, families, service providers, and agencies cope with mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. They may also help people cope with suicide loss or prevention and other mental health needs.

• Episode 106: COVID and Mental Health | Resources
  Source: Southeast ADA Center (June 2022)
  Podcast: adalive.org/episodes/episode-106
  Resources: adalive.org/resources/episode-106-resources
• Episode 79 (3-part series): Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak
  Source: Southeast ADA Center (April 2020)
  Resources: adalive.org/resources/episode-79-resources
  • Episode 79: Part 1
    Link: adalive.org/episodes/episode-79
  • Episode 79: Part 2
    Link: adalive.org/episodes/episode-79-2
  • Episode 79: Part 3
    Link: adalive.org/episodes/episode-79-3

How You Can Help Stop Suicide

• World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10
  September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. The 2023 theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.” To show support, wear purple & teal colors.
  Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
  Link: who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2023
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance)
  The nation’s public-private partnership for suicide prevention, working with more than 250 national partners to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
  Link: theactionalliance.org
  Link: theactionalliance.org/our-strategy/national-strategy-suicide-prevention
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  This website includes several accessibility features and offers its site content in dozens of languages.
  Link: afsp.org
• Forefront Suicide Prevention
  As a Center of Excellence at the University of Washington, their mission is to help people take action to prevent suicide in their communities.
  Source: University of Washington
  Link: intheforefront.org
• Digital Shareables on Suicide Prevention
  Use these digital resources, including graphics and social media messages, to spread the word about suicide prevention and promote awareness in your community.
  Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  Link: nimh.nih.gov/get-involved/digital-shareables/shareable-resources-on-suicide-prevention
• Suicide Prevention Resources from the CDC
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Link: cdc.gov/suicide
• Guide: Suicide Prevention Resource for Action
  This printable guide helps states and communities prioritize suicide prevention activities most likely to have an impact. The programs, practices, and policies can be tailored to the needs of populations and communities.
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Link: cdc.gov/suicide/resources/prevention.html
• The Live On! Movement
  Their mission is to show disabled people everywhere that life is worth living and to connect people with the resources they need.
  Link: liveon.net
• Article: Don’t Ignore Suicide in the Disability Community – Live On!
  Source: Abilities.com
  Link: abilities.com/community/liveon-movement.html