Hidden Trauma.Suicide Prevention Presented by: Tia L. Blue, LCSW-C November 28, 2018
Hard Facts There is 1 death by suicide every 40 seconds (IASP-International Association for Suicide Prevention) The number of deaths by suicide exceed the number of deaths by homicide and war COMBINED Approximately 1 Million people die yearly by suicide (WHO-World Health Organization) The number of suicide ATTEMPTS is 20 times greater than the number of actual deaths
Cause/Risk Factors No Single Cause!!! Contributing Risk Factors - Mental Illness - Substance Abuse - Chronic/Terminal Illness - Family/Personal History - Environmental Factors - Over Exposure to Trauma and Suicidality - Bullying - Hopelessness - Unresolved Trauma
Who s At Risk??? LGBT Community Mental Health Patients, Trauma Survivors (Veterans, 1 st Responders) All genders, races, ages, cultures & socioeconomic status Chronically Ill Patients Substance Abusers Any group of people or individual that feels alone, ostracized and tormented by deep emotional pain.
WARNING SIGNS Extreme isolation and withdrawal from activities High risk behaviors-excessive drinking, promiscuity, substance abuse, increased criminal activity or violent behaviors Threats to do self harm or ATTEMPT suicide Saying goodbye to loved ones Giving away prized possessions
INTERVENTION Resiliency Protective factors Emergency crisis intervention hotlines Individual & family & group counseling Support groups Medication management for mental health treatment
Resiliency The process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. It is not a trait that people either have or do not have. Resilience is a trait that can be taught, learned and developed.
Four Ingredients of Resilience Awareness- noticing how you are impacted by what is going on in your environment and inside your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Thinking- the ability to rationally interpret life events and experiences. Reaching Out/Asking for Help- the ability to call upon supportive resources when facing life s challenges & traumatic events. Fitness/Capacity- one s mental and physical ability to cope with life s challenges without becoming ill.
Protective Factors Condition or attributes (skills, strengths, resources, supports or coping strategies) in individuals, families, communities or the larger society that help people deal more effectively with stressful events and mitigate or eliminate risk in families and communities.
Non-Traditional Treatment/Intervention Developing a spiritual practice/belief system Form bonds and connections with positive people Identify and utilize gifts and talents GIVE BACK-Community services to others Practice self love, self compassion and self acceptance Forgive yourself and others for past trauma ASK FOR HELP!
Super Powers Forgiveness- the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, forswears recompense from or punishment of the offender, however legally or morally justified it might be and with an increased ability to wish the offender well. Self Love- having regard for one s own wellbeing and happiness. Self Compassion- extending compassion to one s self in instances of perceived inadequacy, failure, or general suffering. SELF KINDNESS COMMON HUMANITY MINDFULNESS
RESOURCES National Suicide Prevention LIFELINE 1-800-273-TALK SAVE- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education IASP-International Association for Suicide Prevention World Health Organizations American Foundation for Suicide Prevention