Suicide Prevention

from The Help Show Newsletter : September Issue Suicide Prevention

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide Prevention

Committing or attempting suicide is a common problem in all walks of life throughout the world, and it is up to each one of us to do our part in preventing suicide for our loved ones and colleagues.

As many are aware, The Help Show was established following the tragic suicide of a close friend of our founder, NiEtta Reynolds. His suicide came as a surprise to NiEtta because, like so many others, she did not recognize the warning signs. From that moment forward, NiEtta is now dedicated to raising awareness and connecting the community to resources to prevent suicide and address mental health issues in disadvantaged communities.

The Thing About Suicide

Suicide is a major public health concern, and it is also perhaps the most preventable. However, prevention can only take place if we understand suicide and how to effectively intervene.

Stigma around suicide

The first step is to address the stigma. Mental health issues, including suicide ideation, have a negative stigma in many communities that can prevent individuals from receiving the help they need. Understanding mental health issues and moving past the stigma will enable you to be more supportive when your loved one is in crisis.

**Never assume someone is threatening suicide to get attention.**

There are things you can do personally to help someone you are concerned about. Ask questions. Allow them to open up and express themselves without judgement or opinion. You may be able to avoid an immediate crisis by simply being there to listen and making them feel safe.

Remember, if a loved one opens up to you, make them feel comfortable but don't keep it a secret. Instead, engage a mental health professional who can provide long-term support. Also, don't forget that suicidal thoughts are very personal to the individual - not about you or other family members.

If you or a loved one struggles with depression, physical abuse, substance abuse, medical or mental health illnesses, prior suicide attempts, or other risk factors, it is important to understand how you can get involved.

Know who it impacts. Suicide does not discriminate. It is a problem in all age, cultural, and socioeconomic groups. Suicide ideation is so widespread that over 10 million people per year seriously consider suicide, and there is a suicide death every 11 minutes in the US alone.

Recognize the warning signs so you can take action at the appropriate times. Be sure you watch for conversations that seem like longterm goodbyes, include phrases like "I wish I hadn't been born", or indicate feelings of hopelessness. Also watch for changes in eating habits, risky behaviors, or sleeping patterns.

If you or a loved one is considering suicide, don't try to handle it alone. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800- 273-8255, or for immediate danger, call 911.

Join our upcoming virtual live podcast

Coffee & Conversation: Suicide Prevention

Wednesday, September 30th at 6:30pm Central

How to ask someone about suicide without putting the thought of suicide in a person’s head? There are no easy answers. Join our virtual live podcast to learn from experts to help you make the best decisions for your loved ones.

NiEtta Reynolds, MSW

Founder of The Help Show

NiEtta will host our podcast to help us understand what to do (and what NOT to do) when a loved one is having thoughts of suicide. Her goal is to create opportunities for those in need of access to mental health resources and help them overcome challenges in order to lead healthy, productive lives. NiEtta is passionate about educating the community on mental health issues, so she uses her platform to engage people from all walks of life in spreading mental health awareness .

Kenneth Rogers, MD

Psychiatrist / Co-Host

Dr. Rogers, our podcast's co-host, has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist addressing PTSD and other trauma. His clinical research demonstrates the positive outcomes of intervention through communitybased mental health programs. He will help lead our discussion regarding the mental health issues that can result from the stress of change and fear in adults and children.

Vanita Halliburton

Co-founder of Grant Halliburton Foundation/ Guest Speaker

As the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of a large youth mental health and suicide prevention organization, Vanita is a frequent speaker in schools, at professional conferences, and throughout the North Texas community. She speaks from the heart about her son’s battle with depression and bipolar disorder, his suicide at the age of 19, and the need for a collaborative and comprehensive approach to mental health education and suicide prevention in North Texas.

Dr. Schwall LPC

President & Chief Executive Officer/ Guest Speaker

Dr. Schwall has been providing counseling, training for educators, social and emotional instructional programming for children, and parent education in the Park Cities and North Dallas for over 25 years. Based on his training in doctoral studies in Pastoral Psychotherapy from Garrett Theological Seminary, Dr. Schwall offers tips on parenting, family life, and mental health in regular articles and frequent interviews on WFAA-TV, Channel 8 in Dallas.

In Case You Missed It

Our last podcast: Back to School - Beyond School Supplies

In our last podcast, we talked about how children and parents are impacted by going back to school amidst the coronavirus outbreak. The podcast addressed a variety of concerns regarding both virtual instruction and classroom learning - and what parents can to do to prepare. If you have questions, contact us at www.TheHelpShow.org.

Visit our library at www.TheHelpShow.org/podcasts/

The Help Show hosts podcasts to address a wide variety of mental health topics and educate the community to how to access mental health resources.

Mental Health Resources

Get help at www.TheHelpShow.org/podcast-resources/

In addition to the resources addressed on our podcasts, visit our website to find mental resources in the community at any time.

Donate

Support our cause at www.TheHelpShow.org/donate/

You can also donate via CashApp to $thehelpshow or inquire online at www.TheHelpShow.org.

To learn more about suicide prevention, as well as how the Help Show benefits our community,REGISTER NOW for our upcoming virtual live podcast.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: SUICIDE PREVENTION