Suicide Prevention: Helping Yourself and Others Step Away From the Ledge

Suicide Prevention: Helping Yourself and Others Step Back from the Ledge

Photo courtesy of Pixabay by PublicCo

By Jennifer Scott, www.SpiritFinder.org

Chris Cornell. Robin Williams. Chester Bennington. What do all these names have in common? They all dealt with various addiction and substance abuse struggles. They all struggled with suicidal thoughts. And, ultimately, they all took their own lives.

There’s been a 40% increase in the suicide rate in the last decade. Nearly 80% of those who commit suicide are male. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, and is expected to overtake cancer deaths within the next 15 years. In fact, one person commits suicide every 15 minutes.

Some argue that suicide has become an epidemic in our society - with someone taking their own life every fifteen minutes. This has led to comparisons between the suicide epidemic and the cancer epidemic, with suicide and depression estimated to overtake cancer as one of the leading causes of death in the next 15 years. Russell Brand has even theorized that cultural changes in the developed world have led to an increase in the number of suicides each year.

It sometimes feels like there’s a new report of someone committing suicide on the news each week. For those who are struggling with depression, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts, it can feel like the world is bleak and that there is no hope to be found. Nothing could be further from the truth.

There’s an unspeakable amount of grief and disbelief when we lose someone to suicide. Suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone, but that doesn’t mean we’re without hope. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help yourself and/or your loved ones:

Here are some things you can do:

Reduce the Stigma
Talk about mental illness, depression and suicide in the same way that you would talk about diseases like cancer. Spread awareness. Help share resources, crisis hotline numbers and prevention strategies. Avoid criticisms, name-calling, casting blame or showing judgment. You never know what someone else was secretly dealing with. Mental health conditions are every bit as serious as physical conditions like cancer, and should be treated as such.

Emergency Resources
If you or a loved one are dealing with suicidal thoughts, it can be immediately beneficial to talk to someone for help. Not only does this let you know you’re not alone; it can also provide coping mechanisms to help get through your current situation. There are many nonprofits and resources available to assist those in need. Here’s a list of suicide prevention & crisis hotlines available around the world.

Long-term Prevention Strategies
Even if you’re not currently in crisis, it is helpful to have a longer term strategy in case suicidal thoughts ever return. Prioritize your mental health care and make lifestyle changes to assist you in coping with your depression during difficult times. This might include surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people; being aware of the suicide prevention resources listed above; becoming more involved in your local church or faith-based organization; kicking an addiction or substance abuse issue; or even picking up a healthy habit such as yoga or meditation.

Losing even one person to suicide each year is losing too many. Suicides are preventable. Please use and share the crisis resources and suicide prevention strategies listed above. You never know whose life they might save - possibly even your own.

Jennifer Scott

www.SpiritFinder.org

New Suicide Prevention Tool - Vet-Tested - Coming Soon!

We must talk.  We must reach out.  We must care.  And, we must trust that we can make a difference together.

Twenty-two Veterans take their own lives every day.  That’s one every 65 minutes.  Every day. Many have sought care, and many refuse to seek care.  All need new options.  Service members, veterans, and their families are suffering in relative silence when so many in our communities and nation are willing to help.  

A new suicide prevention tool is launching very soon.  With a single touch, a smartphone app, CallApp, becomes a virtual crisis center that provides choices to a vet and reduces confusion at times of great stress.  Users can select direct connections to crisis lines, battle buddies, trusted friends, clinicians, organizations, and faith and community-based support.  CallApp will be free to our service members, veterans, and their families, and each can personalize their contacts to readily reach trusted friends and support. 

All features are Vet requested and Vet-tested.  Safe locations, peer support, and options in 36 languages will help encourage rapid adoption.  Additionally, continually updated information on PTSD, TBI, anxiety, depression, MST, chronic pain, and local resources will provide further support.  CallApp provides a unique bridge of communication between the extremes of a crisis intervention or waiting and faltering for help, often alone.   

Ninety-seven percent (97%) of all military families receive information from the Internet or their smartphones according to a recent study, making smartphones the optimal choice for outreach.  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), financial strain, relationship fractures, substance abuse, homelessness, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation may be precursors for suicidal ideation.  With an average of 25 suicide attempts before a completion, there's enormous opportunity to save lives and guide our service members, veterans, and their families to clinical services they trust, and to compassionate people who care. 

Technology doesn’t save lives; people do, but it’s essential to first connect with and support our service members, veterans and their families. 

Together, we can and will stem the tragedy of military suicides.  

Linda Kreter & the VeteranCaregiver Team 

Post-Disaster Care for a Rabbit, but not a Veteran? Consider this during Suicide Prevention Month...

Greetings,

One of the most difficult things for a caregiver to deal with after a suicide attempt is obtaining postvention or aftercare.  VA protocol says you should receive contact within 24 hours, but this happens more in theory than in practice.  We know of cases where an SPC has not returned a call after six weeks, even with intervening advocacy calls.  We cannot know the full statistics, but we sincerely hope this is an exception rather than the rule for most at-risk veterans.

If you view a suicide attempt as a “disaster”, then perhaps you’ll relate to the paragraph below requiring contingency planning at the USDA for a rabbit.  Don’t our veterans deserve to have an operational after-care plan from the VA after a suicide attempt “disaster”?  Or even a combined caregiver/VA care-team plan?  Here’s the link to the article from the Washington Post http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-07-16/politics/40610671_1_rabbit-magician-u-s-department.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working hard to ensure that Americans have safe food to eat. The latest case is that of a children's magician in Missouri, who received a letter from the USDA requiring him to develop an emergency evacuation plan. For his rabbit. "I just received an 8 page letter from the USDA," he said, "telling me that by July 29 I need to have in place a written disaster plan, detailing all the steps I would take to help get my rabbit through a disaster, such as a tornado, fire, flood, etc.," and "what I will do after the disaster, to make sure my rabbit gets cared for properly." (italics added).

Let's show better postvention care of our veterans who are taking their own lives every 65 minutes - every day.  Let's support and care for the family members who bear heavy loads and are also at-risk.  Each life is so complex, with no one solution, but with an average of 25 suicide attempts before a completion - that's a LOT of room for help, support, and a new perspective on living.

Linda Kreter & the VeteranCaregiver Team

Suicide Prevention: Part 2

Greetings,

Today brings a sequel to our prior story about "Jim", the veteran who spiraled downward after the suicide of a close friend.  Jim subsequently survived two more suicide attempts, and his Caregiver wife was working to find a stable solution and postvention care for him (http://veterancaregiver.blogspot.com/2013/02/suicide-attempt-please-seek-follow-up.html).  The story continues this way ...

Jim is still awaiting a PTSD program.  Two additional suicide attempts have been made, prompting 911 calls and hospitalizations.  His wife has endured many personally dangerous situations trying to obtain stable, consistent mental health care for her husband.  Jim's medications have been juggled between three VA's with conflicting opinions and prescription changes.  As we write, the most recent SPC (Suicide Prevention Coordinator), Case Manager, nor primary care Social Worker have returned phone calls or email.  Escalation has gone nowhere.  Caseloads are too high.  It is vacation time.  The voice mailboxes are full.  This is a serious situation.  However, it is not a single story; there are many.   

Together, let's remedy this situation, shall we?  On Tuesday, June 11^th, 11am EDT, please join us for a radio interview on the American Heroes Network (info below).  We will be talking with Edward White, the creator of the CallApp.  CallApp is a suicide prevention smartphone app that permits anyone to build a personal on-call virtual safety/crisis network comprised of friends, family, medical professionals, and community resources.  At the touch of a single button, this technology will permit personalized choices to the person in crisis.  If they need 911, it's there.  Their veteran buddy who calms them; there.  Their mental health counselors; there.  Special wellness programs, calming methods, and a network of caring, responsive people and organizations personally selected would reside on Jim's phone.  This is not a one-size-fits-all solution - but an extraordinary solution that will fit Jim. CallApp is customizable to satisfy the needs of family members, battle buddies, medical/mental health partners, close friends, and others.  These are people Jim trusts and who will answer the phone.  Respond.  It is a lifeline to bridge the gaps in communication support that exist today.

CallApp takes technology and leverages it with people who care about and for Jim. People support and save people.  Join us Tuesday to hear more!

With respect and great care,

Linda Kreter and the VeteranCaregiver Team

American Heroes Radio Network:

(http://hero.ub1.co/page/31) 

The Cascade Potential of Suicide

*Note: all names and identifiers have been changed, but this story is true.

His name was Michael.  He was in the wrong place at the wrong time when the shooter at Ft. Hood created mayhem, horror, and fear.  His friends knew that the incident, deemed “workplace violence” was never far from his mind, but they thought he was okay.  He was not.  He committed suicide this month.  This did not make the newspapers except in a small obituary, but it sent a resounding echo of despair to his circle of friends.

One friend of his, Jim, reacted very strongly to the news of the suicide.  He became very angry.  He became physically violent toward his wife.  He vehemently threatened systematic destruction of all of his VA doctors (while in the halls of his local VA), and he expressed suicidal intentions.   In each instance, his local VA suicide prevention coordinator was unable to provide help because Jim was not “actively suicidal”.  The Caregiver spoke twice with  the suicide prevention psychologist who said he could not do anything without an in-the-moment attempt.  When saying it makes no sense not to throw a float to a drowning man, his wife said this, “it seems that until you are underwater, going down for the last time, that no one can actually do anything”.

One week later, after two visits to the local ER, (while his wife made careful safety contingency plans for herself), the situation worsened.  Jim took a household knife into the bathroom with him  and attempted suicide. (All firearms had long been removed from the household). When his wife broke into the bathroom, he threatened her with the knife and said he would first kill her, then himself.  Through a near-miracle, she was able to get him to the local ER and began anew to get him VA psychiatric care.  Many calls (some with outside assistance and advocacy) were made to the VA Crisis Line.  Crisis Line recommendations to obtain local VA help went to unanswered voicemail... 

With great compassion but also frustration, it seemed that most everyone’s hands were tied in some way or another, and the hours crept by.  Finally the VA said it would admit Jim, but his wife would have to drive him nearly two hours to the facility – which under the circumstances was potentially too dangerous.  Eventually into the wee hours, the private hospital moved him to a nearby psychiatric facility since no safe transport could be arranged to the VA.  He remains there today, awaiting a private PTSD program.

There are gaps in any system.  However, the current issue is the lack of follow-up by the local VA including his case manager, the suicide prevention coordinator, and the social work office.  The Caregiver is exhausted, emotionally spent, and has no Caregiver Support Coordinator despite being in the National Caregiver Program. They have communicated their situation to leadership at VA for two years.  These at-risk veterans and their families need consistent follow-up after a suicide attempt, and the care gaps back-filled.  There are policies in place to aid in care and recovery.  But – it doesn’t always happen as written.

Please be aware of your fellow veterans and families.  Be aware that the suicide of a friend may create abrupt behavioral changes in your veteran, and in the worst case, lead to another suicide.  Know that long-term frustrations can suddenly spill over and create volatile situations.  And, always have the number of the Crisis Line, an advocate, and a personal support person if this happens to you.  Friends and social media can spread word of suicide in seconds, and information may be wrong, yet the actions some take can be irreversible.

When in doubt, please reach out! And, as caregivers, remember this:  the life you save may be your own.

Blessings and care,

Linda Kreter & the VeteranCaregiver Team

Veterans Crisis Line Outreach Blog Post

Veterans Crisis Line

Suicide Prevention Month Partner Outreach

Blog Post

  

Stand by Them:

Show Your Support for Veterans During Suicide Prevention Month

September is national Suicide Prevention Month, an important reminder that you can make a difference in the life of a Veteran every month and every day. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs organizations and individuals across the country to educate their communities about the signs of suicide risk and raise awareness about the free, confidential support available from the Veterans Crisis Line. To accomplish this mission, VA encourages Veterans’ communities, friends, and family members to get involved, learn more, and help spread the word to promote mental health and prevent Veteran suicide.

A critical step in preventing suicide is learning to recognize warning signs. Although many at-risk Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves, there are behaviors that could indicate that a Veteran needs support. In addition to talking about suicide or hurting oneself, some signs that a Veteran may be at risk for suicide include engaging in risky behaviors, withdrawing from family and friends, and feeling hopeless, anxious, and angry. To learn about additional signs that someone may be at risk, go to www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis.  

If a Veteran you know exhibits any of these signs, trained professionals—many of them Veterans themselves—at the Veterans Crisis Line can help. Just call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Since its launch in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 640,000 calls and made more than 23,000 life-saving rescues. In 2009, an anonymous online chat service was added, which has helped more than 50,000 people. In November 2011, the Veterans Crisis Line introduced a text messaging service to provide another way for Veterans to connect with round-the-clock support. Qualified and caring VA responders are also able to provide referrals to local VA services and aid Veterans in getting fast-tracked mental health care within VA.

Every American can help prevent Veteran suicide. During Suicide Prevention Month, stand by our Veterans and their loved ones. Spread the word about the Veterans Crisis Line and help make sure that all Veterans know that confidential support is only a call, click, or text away. Go to www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Pledge to take the Suicide Prevention Month pledge and learn how you can educate yourself and those around you about suicide risk and the Veterans Crisis Line.

You can also visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/SPMSupport to download free Suicide Prevention Month materials, including posters and flyers that you can print and distribute in your community; online ads in a variety of sizes and formats to display on your website; and, free, ready-to-go content for your Facebook page, Twitter feed, newsletters, or other print materials.

Our Veterans stood by us. Now let’s stand by them. Together, we can make sure they get the support they earned and deserve.

Visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net to learn more.

To learn about additional warning signs of crisis, go to www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis  

Stark Street

Greetings, friends,

Like many people, I rely on GPS to locate places unknown.  Fiona, as she is known in my car, doesn’t always get it right, and I couldn’t help but sigh when I was recently “misplaced” on “Stark Street”.  I mean, really???

My outlook that day was not so great… pretty sure you can relate.  How many of you have gotten stuck on Stark Street?  It seems to happen to all of us, and how we cope with turning around and going in the right direction tells us a great deal about our mental and physical condition at the time.  If we’re rested, reasonably happy, and have a goal in mind, we can usually resolve the misdirection.  It’s when we’re exhausted, fairly down and unhappy, with goals in mind but brain fog on how to resolve the hurdles that the wheels come off – and Stark Street becomes a dead end.

When Stark Street becomes your dead end, please don’t forget to reach out.  It can be very affirming to know that you’re not alone.  You DO have options, and you absolutely matter.  On my specific “lost day”, I called a very reliable friend who guided me to a landmark where Fiona could take charge again.  We laughed at the irony of the street name, but turning around is easier with help from a friend you can trust. 

May you seldom find yourself on Stark Street, but if you do, reach out because we are here for each other!

Linda 

Awareness is Key!

Greetings, friends,
        We send you a rallying call today:  keep sharing the vital role of Caregivers in the Continuum of Care!
        We never use those words glibly:  Continuum of Care.  Caregivers know it is by their actions and commitment that compassionate care supports our brave injured, ill, or wounded troops.  We know that you are the essential backbone of that care, and that your crucial role is often overlooked.

        Recently, more serious media attention has been given to warriors, veterans, and their Caregivers.  After the September 27th NY Times article on Veteran Caregiving, the CBS News  evening broadcast included a piece on Warrior Caregiving on October 7th (above photo, video to follow).  On Saturday, Pamela Eggleston of Blue Star Families and I participated in a panel discussion regarding women veterans and service family needs, including the value of Caregivers in recovery (below).  Very tough topics such as MST (military sexual trauma or rape/assault), equity in benefits for Guard/Reserve, and the evolving VA medical system to address women's issues were discussed, and Caregiving needs resonated with the attendees.

        We are spending significant time talking with DoD and VA leadership about proactive assistance and timely follow-through.  There is unfortunate bureaucracy in managing chronic pain, depression, invisible injuries (PTS and TBI), family health issues, and comprehensive care plans.  Suicide prevention will always be a deep concern.  As you are aware, under the "feel good" stories are unresolved darker stories that may follow if we do not keep assertively sharing service family challenges and casting light into the dimmer corners.  

        In short, we appreciate you and your commitment.  Maya Angelou said this:  “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”  Tell your stories and shine the Light !

Linda

PS:  Even our foreign counterparts are requesting briefings about the role of Caregiving in reintegration after injury.  Let your voices be heard!

Peer Networks & Suicide Prevention

Greetings, friends,
          Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk to an influential group about the value of peer networks for suicide prevention.  It's readily apparent that the integrity of any support program is demonstrated with building trust in every interaction. It was a relief to share your thoughts (provided to me over time) and perceptions of the official tools and processes in place.  My hope is that there was greater understanding following the meeting.
         It's sometimes possible to feel alienated from leadership because of well-meaning gatekeepers.  Provided the opportunity to share directly with leadership was refreshing -- and daunting.  We are not clinicians, but we DO care and support.  And, you've proven time and time again, that helping others helps you.  I know it does for me. We now have more tools in place, and also an agreement with the Veterans Crisis Line to provide a "warm transfer" should you wish help in placing that call on your own. We're with you!
        Regarding my blog post of last week about a caregiver outreach piece, the piece has been delayed and I will have it for you next week.  Once I receive a copy, you will have it first thereafter!
       Make it a good week, and When In Doubt, Reach Out!


Linda

Suicide Prevention Month

Greetings, friends,


Through all the summer turmoil of torrid heat, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and a hurricane, and personal crises too numerous to mention individually, we now arrive in September, or Suicide Prevention Month.  What does this really mean? 


All too well, we know that Suicide Prevention is a constant and active choice.  It happens hour by hour, day by day, by those who care.  So many studies now affirm that caring peers and friends can help others to choose life over the very final decision to take their own lives.  Nearly all in this VCG Community can attest to the day a VCG Hug arrived at a crucial moment, someone took the time to reach out when silence was noted, and a call or email was sent or received that lifted spirits and made you feel cared for and about. With crisis, depression, or fear -- a caring word or thought can change an otherwise desperate outcome.


There are many, many official tools in place:  suicide hotlines, crisis helplines, online chat, and service branch programs. Valuable tools with the emphasis on the person in crisis taking that first step.  Other programs permit friends and families to identify and encourage obtaining help.  Yet, what about the simple act of situational awareness and realizing that you haven't seen or heard a word from "Jane" online/offline in a few days?  The gentle proactive outreach that says "I noticed you've been quiet; are you alright?"  There are countless occasions that accomplished the miraculous - this online community cares, and it shows.  


Bob Delaney's new book, "Surviving the Shadows" speaks of peer support as the most powerful tool available following trauma or crisis.  We agree wholeheartedly.  So, as this September enlightens many to greater awareness of noticing or identifying anguish, depression, and suicidal thoughts, please know and appreciate how YOU hold each other up, lift spirits, and give hope to those that feel or felt hopeless.  


Let's keep on caring, and reaching out to each other - you might matter to someone else more than you'll ever know... We care and it shows!


When in doubt - reach out!


Blessings and thanks,


Linda