American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Post

I love the #SpeakTheirNameQuilt concept. Bringing bereaved people together to: > remember lost loved ones, and #SpeakTheirName > memorialise them in the form of a beautiful quilt > be #creative, inc involving people who say 'I'm not really a creative person' in a wonderfully creative process > form a mutual support community whilst creating the Quilt, which can continue afterwards > have something tangible and meaningful that can be displayed for others to see the beauty, feel the love. and know the people we've lost too soon ...and much more! The very first 'Speak Their Name Quilt' for people bereaved by suicide was made in memory of all those in #GreaterManchester who've died by #suicide, with 54 squares "each one lovingly created by someone bereaved by suicide". As it says in the Notes under the YouTube video telling the story of this first Quilt: "Rebecca Jackson, a fibre artist and mum bereaved by suicide, was commissioned by Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership to teach people bereaved by suicide how to make their unique squares and provide a peer support group. As well as remembering those lost to suicide, the quilt aims to raise awareness of the impact of suicide and the benefits of peer support and creative activities. The private online group is a place for group members to talk about the person they’ve lost and support each other during difficult times". And here's that video (7 mins): https://lnkd.in/ehpSF57K As Rebecca says, "Crafting through #grief has been going on for hundreds of years" so that isn't new, but it was new to bring people together - with the additional new challenge of COVID Lockdown - to craft a Quilt made by people bereaved by suicide. Quilts like this can be made by anyone, for people bereaved by any form of (traumatic) loss, wanting to remember their loved ones and be part of their process of coping with their #bereavement. I get how the concept 'works' particularly for people bereaved by suicide because of the #trauma & grief that's particular to suicide deaths and as a way to tackle the #stigma & shame that deaths by suicide sadly still bring. In my case, I've lost many people to suicide and I've experienced traumatic loss by other means so I could adapt the concept for my own grieving process. I lost a very good friend & former university flatmate, John Herdman, in the #InfectedBloodScandal. John was a beautiful and talented man, an incredibly artistic scientist, who died - was killed! - aged just 28. John's family have had to endure more than 30 years of traumatic grief with injustice. A Quilt, or Quilts, for the tens of thousands of people who lost loved ones in this horrific loss of young lives would be a lovely way of remembering them, esp now the Govt has finally accepted some responsibility and made £12 billion available in the Budget for compensation. I've seen other Quilts that have been made since the GM Quilt - each one a spiritual experience!

"Your story is not over. You can get help, and that there are programs and resources that Samaritans has that you can reach out to, and we will be there for you." For #SuicidePreventionMonth, Sissi O'Shaughnessy, Senior Director of Suicide Grief Support Services, spoke on NESN about the lifesaving services Samaritans provides, and the importance of asking for help. Watch the full interview: https://lnkd.in/ecXkqRfw

While the holidays can be an exciting time for celebration, there are many who are experiencing the opposite & often times do so in silence. We briefly talk about seasonal depression, loneliness, grief and isolation during these times but we miss the mark as a society in applying action to address these things. We think about reaching out to that person who came across our minds but haven’t spoken to in a long time but forget to make the call or send the text to reach out. We forget to be gentle with ourselves and know that we are not alone in what we are feeling. We tell people, “hey, there’s these resources” but don’t take the time to sit with someone and walk them through making the call or appointment or even take the time to BE there as a support system. We don’t provide adequate training in various environments or professions on how to navigate these situations or talk to someone in crisis. It doesn’t matter your industry, the knowledge and awareness of what to do can truly help someone when they need it most. We comment, “if you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you” but don’t understand that when you’re in a state of crisis, you isolate. Instead of expecting people to reach out, we need to be the ones reaching out. See something, say something. You never truly understand the power your TIME, your kindness, compassion & grace will have in someone’s life when the light in theirs may be so dim. We’ve all been impacted by grief or death in some way. As someone who has lost several close friends from suicide or unexpectedly & as someone who has sat with families in their darkest hours of uncertainty or grief…. or individuals in the act of contemplation…..I urge you to: -Take the time to reach out & make the time a priority. It’s not about you, it’s about them -Invite someone over to enjoy holiday festivities with you. Even if they decline, provide the information about it. An invitation alone can mean so much to people. -Don’t just talk about helping, put action to it and educate others how they can help. -If you have ever felt like this, share with those you trust and who are close to you what behaviors or actions etc. you may exhibit as a signal they may need to check in on you. -Take a training, attend a workshop or reach out to a professional for ways you can help someone. This is our epidemic….We must rally in our communities to be that bright light for someone when theirs is dim. Alarming Statistics: in 2021, 1.7 million people attempted suicide and over 12 million more had suicidal thoughts. Someone in the U.S. dies by suicide every 11 minutes (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021) “Ages 10-34 are the most vulnerable with suicide being one of the TOP 3 causes of death.” (Rodolfo Bonnin, Ph.D.) You can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Here are some amazing resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #holidays

As World Suicide Prevention Day draws to a close I wanted to share something I and others have been working on for almost two years and ask if you can share it as much as possible please, as it may just help save someone. In Oct 21 I was asked by Help for Heroes to be interviewed to help create a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training package that was funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust ‘One is Too Many’ grant scheme. This programme was launched in early 2022.   At the time a good friend of mine, who was still serving, were chatting about suicide statistics in the armed forces. Whilst these are comparably to the devastating statistics across the UK, I wondered what more could be done. This got me thinking and I realised the video I had done for the suicide prevention package was mainly talking about my own struggles with suicide while I was in uniform. Yet only part of what was a 40 min video was being used and maybe a fuller version of the video would help. I pitched the idea to both Help for Heroes and the UK Ministry of Defence and then embarked on working closely with these organisations and some pretty incredible people. Overcoming obstacles and pulling in help were needed to get the video into a fit state to be powerful enough and yet be able to signpost people to support. That video was released today and is here: https://lnkd.in/esBN-Z9Y Please do share it as much as possible. for two reasons: 1. Encourage people to do the training and maybe you can help signpost someone to support that could be in bad way. The training takes 20 mins. Taking 20 mins now is a small price to pay, if it has the potential to keep someone in your life. You will find the training here: https://lnkd.in/eq8bNvQt 2. The video may help people who are struggling and on the verge of taking a permanent solution to what could be a temporary problem. Although this is aimed at the Armed Forces Community the issues and items that can be learned here can apply to anyone. Many thanks to David Walker and Priyanka Panchal for making this happen. Along with Clare Waterworth MBE and Siân Rankin. Special thanks to Helen Helliwell for listening to me at the start of the idea. Office for Veterans' Affairs #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WorldSuicidePreventionDay2024 #WSPD #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #ChangingtheNarrativeonSuicide #MentalHealth #MentalFitness

Christmas can be a challenging time for many. While it’s often seen as a season of joy, the reality for some is far different. Mental health struggles can intensify, and it’s important to recognise that not everyone is celebrating in the way we might expect. For individuals with neurodivergence, the disruption of routines and the overstimulation of sensory input can be overwhelming. For others, the festive period may amplify feelings of isolation or exacerbate difficult situations, such as being trapped in abusive environments. There are also those who are navigating the grief of losing loved ones, making the season all the more painful. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that support is available. It’s crucial to reach out, whether for a listening ear or professional help.

As professionals and individuals, change can be very difficult. Grief is appropriate and we don’t want to dismiss it. Grief is healthy and it’s also finding strength to heal. Let’s channel the courage and messaging of Kamala Harris, who has paved the path with resilience and unwavering dedication, inspiring generations to break barriers and believe in the power of representation. Our fight for progress and justice continues stronger and more determined than ever. Let’s wash away what holds us back and reclaim what is ours to create. But first, take a moment to rest, practice self-care, recharge, and navigate your feelings as a collective to bring peace and balance.

MESSAGE TO SERVING PERSONNEL: The following link provides you with info about the study, which informed the development of the 'At Your Side' guide for serving personnel bereaved by suicide, which will be launched on the 26th Sept. #AtYourSide #sbukconf24 https://lnkd.in/eAADQkY

Don Allen used to take credit for his achievements but not his failures. Today, thanks to SMART, he has the tools to manage his thoughts and beliefs about himself and others. As a participant at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center in Chicago, IL, Don has learned that every day he has a choice and another chance to try again. And for that, he is grateful. 🙏 Watch his inspiring journey here: https://lnkd.in/gtSJCM6g #SMARTRecovery #RecoveryJourney #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp #recovery #addiction #addictionrecovery

Strength in Reaching Out: This Suicide Prevention Month, commit to facing challenges together by reaching out to the veterans in your life and community to help prevent veteran suicide. Here are some resources and further information to make the most out of doing your part ⬇ https://lnkd.in/dhNDHeX9

Today, on #nationalsuicidepreventionday, we remember those we have lost to suicide. It's crucial to recognize the silent struggles of our friends and family. Let's offer love and support, especially to those who withdraw. Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Having lost my older brother to suicide, I understand the lifelong impact. Let's unite to show those in need that life is precious and change is possible. #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness