Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Suicide Intervention Skills Training can help you to identify signs of suicidal thoughts, provide support, connect individuals to assistance, and be a frontline defender in suicide prevention. This type of training is open to anyone who wants to make a positive impact. It's about communities coming together, breaking down the stigma around mental illness, and making a real difference. With these skills, you can help create a world where people are not afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Please consider attending a Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop and joining the movement to save lives and promote mental well-being.

The workshop I attended was developed and presented by Living Works and was hosted in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For more information about local suicide intervention workshops and programs, please visit https://afsp.org/ and https://livingworks.net/.

We Walked for Those Who Can’t in Broward

On October 29th, we participated in the AFSP Broward Community Walk at Nova University, a place that held special memories for Kathy. Nova was the first university she attended, and during the walk, I couldn't help but reminisce about the day she and I met with the Admissions department on campus for her college application.

During the walk, as we strolled by the Administration building, those memories flooded back. The meeting had started well, but then we learned they needed Kathy's official high school transcript that very day. It was a race against time as we hurried across town to her high school to secure the necessary document. It was a mad dash, but we managed to pull it off.

The admissions team reviewed the paperwork, and Kathy was officially accepted as a first-year college student. We were exhausted on the drive home, but as I looked at her, I saw a tired yet radiant smile on her face. I took her hand and told her how proud I am of her, and I hope she has an amazing time in university. In the softest, sweetest voice, Kathy replied, "Thank you for everything, Mimi; I love you." During those moments, the world felt absolutely perfect for us. Without needing to say anything else, we simply continued holding hands quietly all the way home.

Nova University will forever hold a cherished spot in my heart, thanks to the memories Kathy and I shared on those grounds. In addition, the AFSP community walks can be emotionally taxing; however, they serve as a platform where we congregate with our community and represent Kathy during those moments.

Depression with a Smile

People with depression often feel pressured to mask their genuine emotions due to stigma, fear of judgment, or a desire not to burden others. They may put on a brave face, smile, and say they're fine when, in reality, they are fighting a silent battle within.

"People don't fake depression; they fake being okay." Please reach out to your friends and loved ones, not just when they admit they are feeling down, but when they seem perfectly okay as well. Sometimes, the people who seem the happiest are the ones who need our support the most.

We must create a safe space where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment or rejection.

Mental Health is Health

According to the CDC, our mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It plays a crucial role in managing stress, building relationships, and making healthy decisions. Maintaining good mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.

Here are some tips to boost your mental well-being:

1. Relax and reduce stress.
2. Cultivate creativity.
3. Immerse yourself in nature.
4. Engage in physical activity.
5. Prioritize sufficient sleep.
6. Foster social connections.
7. Practice mindfulness.

Stop Bullying

Bullying can have devastating consequences for the mental well-being of those who experience it. Whether it occurs in schools, workplaces, or online, bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, and other mental health challenges. It can destroy a person's self-worth and leave lasting emotional scars. If you or someone you know is being bullied, please don't ignore the problem. You are not alone; SAY SOMETHING!

More Than Sad Program

(for parents and guardians of teens)

"More Than Sad" is an online program provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The program is free to the public, and it teaches parents how to recognize signs of depression and other mental health problems, initiate a conversation about mental health with their child, and get help. This program focuses on parents and guardians of teen youth.

Please visit www.afsp.org to find available programs in your area.

Let’s Break the Stigma

People with mental illness are not seeking attention; they're seeking help. It's our compassion, understanding, and support that can make all the difference in their journey towards healing. Let's start normalizing conversations about mental illness so people suffering in silence can feel safe and comfortable asking for help. We can break the stigma by speaking up and offering a helping hand.

Pretending to be Okay

Keeping your true emotions hidden can weigh you down, especially when dealing with mental health challenges. There is a common misunderstanding that mental health issues are a sign of weakness or personal failure, which can make you feel ashamed and embarrassed about what you're going through. Many folks think they have to pretend they're doing fine, even when they're not. Just remember, opening up and seeking help when needed is okay. There's strength in sharing your struggles with someone you trust.

Ask them the Difficult Questions … it’s Okay

According to 988lifeline, research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

For more information, go to https://988lifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/