Ona Boczkowski’s Post

We know that the lives of families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide have been tragically altered, and our hearts go out to them.  That’s why in September, which is #SuicidePreventionMonth, it’s important to me to highlight the four signs that can help people spot someone who is in mental distress.  These are important – and helpful - to know, because you, or someone you know, could take action to help someone, especially a young person, facing serious mental health problems.     According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2022 and suicide was responsible for 49,476 deaths in 2022 alone - about one death every 11 minutes.      In the communities that Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan serves, we work with many fine organizations that offer vital mental health services and support to young and old alike. In San Diego, these include La Maestra Community Health Centers, Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Ysidro Health, SAN DIEGO FAMILY CARE, and Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego Children’s Hospital.   In Los Angeles, organizations like Tri-City Mental Health, YWCA San Gabriel Valley and Helpline Youth Counseling provide valuable mental health services to diverse communities.   Blue Shield of California’s News Center recently published an article with valuable tips for spotting people in distress and a list of valuable resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that provides immediate help to people in need.  Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gFAW6WMd    #BSCPromise #WhatWeStandFor #BlueShieldCares #SuicidePrevention #Suicideawareness

We know that the lives of families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide have been tragically altered, and our hearts go out to them.  That’s why in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month, it’s important to me to highlight the four signs that can help people spot someone who is in mental distress.  These are important – and helpful - to know, because you, or someone you know, could take action to help someone, especially a young person, facing serious mental health problems.     According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2022 and suicide was responsible for 49,476 deaths in 2022 alone - about one death every 11 minutes.      In the communities that Blue Shield Promise Health Plan serves, we work with many fine organizations that offer vital mental health services and support to young and old alike.  <In San Diego, these include La Maestra, Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Ysidro Health, San Diego Family Care, and Rady Children’s Hospital.>    <In Los Angeles, organizations like Tri-City Mental Health, YWCA of San Gabriel Valley and Helpline Youth Counseling provide valuable mental health services to diverse communities.>    Blue Shield’s News Center recently published an article with valuable tips for spotting people in distress and a list of valuable resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that provides immediate help to people in need.  Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gwQyW6tf   

When I lost my brother, it was a pain I still have a hard time putting into words. Despite our complicated relationship, his absence left a lasting mark, a reminder of the time we would never have to mend or understand one another better. Today (9/8) is the first 988 Day, meant to raise awareness for the 988 line. It is followed by 9/10, which is World Suicide Prevention Day. The entire month of September is a time for reflection, education, and action as it is Suicide Prevention Month. Most of us have known or loved someone who has been impacted. Suicide and suicide attempt rates vary based on demographic factors such as age, gender, race, and ethnicity, but they impact all groups. In 2021, the CDC reported that the rate of emergency department visits for nonfatal self-harm injuries was 148.2 per 100,000 people. Additionally, the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health found that 0.6% of adults, or about 1.6 million people, attempted suicide. Youth suicide attempts are particularly concerning. In the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 10% of high school students in grades 9-12 reported attempting suicide in the past year. Female students were nearly twice as likely as male students to report an attempt, with 13% of girls and 7% of boys indicating they had tried to take their own lives. These figures highlight the ongoing need for focused prevention efforts across all demographics. By raising awareness, we can promote early intervention, support systems, and open dialogue. It’s crucial to create environments where individuals feel safe to share their struggles and seek help. In the workplace, it’s essential to recognize that employees may be deeply affected by suicide, either personally or through loved ones. Supporting emotional well-being and acknowledging the ongoing nature of grief can make a significant difference. Providing space for employees to process their feelings, understanding that healing is not linear, and ensuring resources are available can help create a compassionate and supportive work environment. Let’s use this month to advocate for better mental health support, in both our personal lives and workplaces, and work towards a world where everyone knows they are not alone. https://lnkd.in/gmZsP2k5

We know that the lives of families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide have been tragically altered, and our hearts go out to them.  That’s why in September, which is #SuicidePreventionMonth, it’s important to me to highlight the four signs that can help people spot someone who is in mental distress.  These are important – and helpful - to know, because you, or someone you know, could take action to help someone, especially a young person, facing serious mental health problems.     According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2022 and suicide was responsible for 49,476 deaths in 2022 alone - about one death every 11 minutes.      In the communities that Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan serves, we work with many fine organizations that offer vital mental health services and support to young and old alike. In San Diego, these include La Maestra Community Health Centers, Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Ysidro Health, San Diego Family Care, and Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego.    In Los Angeles, organizations like Tri-City Mental Health, YWCA San Gabriel Valley and Helpline Youth Counseling provide valuable mental health services to diverse communities.    Blue Shield of California News Center recently published an article with valuable tips for spotting people in distress and a list of valuable resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that provides immediate help to people in need.  Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gjhkKjmu #BSCPromise #WhatWeStandFor #BlueShieldCares #SuicidePrevention #Suicideawareness #WeNeverStop #ProudToBeBSCA 

In honor of “World Suicide Prevention Day” I would like to also share this post sent to me and my team at work. It inspired me and I’m sure it will inspire at one other being 🙏🏽🥰 A Few Minutes of Your Time: Suicide Prevention By Angie Taylor Reames "If the meaning of your life is lost, ask for help finding it." - Unknown Suicide prevention is a critical topic worth discussing. You matter, and you matter to me too. Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, states: "Suicide is a complex public health problem that tragically impacts everyone. Latest data shows over 13 million adults seriously considered suicide last year, with nearly two million attempts. CDC reports suicide as the second-leading cause of death among youth and young adults. This is unacceptable. No one should go through a crisis alone or feel out of options. The fight against suicide requires dedication from every sector of society." A friend recently shared about losing a peer to suicide - a professional psychologist described as funny, compassionate, and energetic. No one knew until it was too late. Remember: you're never alone, you matter, and you're loved. SAMHSA advises: "During National Suicide Prevention Month, we remember lives lost, acknowledge those affected, raise awareness, and share hope. We can care about prevention, connect to community and research, and collaborate to address this public health problem." Warning Signs (SAMHSA): Youth: Talking about suicide plans Expressing hopelessness Showing severe emotional distress Withdrawing socially Sleep changes Uncharacteristic anger or hostility Adults: Discussing suicide plans Increased anxiety or recklessness Feeling like a burden Expressing unbearable pain Increased substance use Hopelessness Sleep issues Isolation Rage or revenge talk Extreme mood swings In crisis? Call or text 988. More info at sprc.org. "Take a moment to remember, there is hope, there is help." - Unknown #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #YouMatter #HopeAndHelp #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #SuicidePrevention #DepressionAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #HopeHeals #MentalHealthSupport #SelfCare #RecoveryIsPossible #MindfulnessMatters #ResilienceOverDepression #EmotionalWellbeing #TherapyWorks “Take a moment to remember, there is hope, there is help.” - Unknown

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024. If you want to make a difference in suicide prevention...don’t ever underestimate that you absolutely can.... Before qualifying as a coach, I worked as a therapeutic counsellor and mental health training project manager in a local mental health charity. Suicide prevention was a prominent part of that work; anti-stigma campaigns, contributions to ethics committees, as well as involvement in local prevention networks, and regional training initiatives, led by Public Health. I haven’t shared my involvement in suicide prevention here before ...but on this day that calls for action, I feel called to speak out. By far, the most meaningful part of that work, was meeting with, listening to, and learning from people bereaved by suicide. Hearing their personal stories of lives that were tragically lost, as well as lives affected by loss, brought home how suicide impacts in the most deeply saddening, enduring, and complex way. It’s the people behind the statistics, including people who’ve died by suicide, and those bereaved by suicide, whose stories matter most for raising awareness, reducing existing stigma, and shaping support services, so sadly needed today. The purpose of this post? My intention is to highlight that suicide prevention is everybody’s business…and talking about suicide, as part of a bigger picture, can help to raise awareness, and contribute to a culture of compassionate support. Alongside the #Samaritan's document shared, 'Finding a way to say it', you might like to check out your local suicide prevention and mental health services, as well as the websites of the following organisations: #WorldHealthOrganisation #TheInternationalAssociationforSuicidePrevention #Mind. It’s an indisputable fact that systemic change is needed alongside mental health reform…but your contribution matters, and you can make a meaningful difference, no matter how big or small. Sending out healing thoughts of hope to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, in ongoing recovery from bereavement by suicide, or struggling to support someone they love, care for, or know.❤️ #makeadifference #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #mentalhealth #wellbeing #mentalhealthsupport

We know that the lives of families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide have been tragically altered, and our hearts go out to them.  That’s why in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month, it’s important to me to highlight the four signs that can help people spot someone who is in mental distress.  These are important – and helpful - to know, because you, or someone you know, could take action to help someone, especially a young person, facing serious mental health problems.     According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2022 and suicide was responsible for 49,476 deaths in 2022 alone - about one death every 11 minutes.      In the communities that Blue Shield Promise Health Plan serves, we work with many fine organizations that offer vital mental health services and support to young and old alike.    In Los Angeles, organizations like Tri-City Mental Health, YWCA of San Gabriel Valley and Helpline Youth Counseling provide valuable mental health services to diverse communities.   Blue Shield’s News Center recently published an article with valuable tips for spotting people in distress and a list of valuable resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that provides immediate help to people in need.  Read the article here:

Men’s mental health is something that sits close to my heart. Having several family members, my father, my cousin (more like a brother) and my husbands uncle, all died by suicide. I can’t help but think, if only they got help, if only they had the resources or knew about the resources available, what their lives would be like today. We need to talk more about Men’s Mental Health and Mental Health in general. Did you know you can text 741741 to reach a crisis counselor? YOU CAN! After you text BRAVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, a trained crisis counselor will receive it and respond within minutes. Then, the crisis counselor will help you de-escalate your situation and connect you to help locally. https://lnkd.in/exr2ZdKm. Who knew about The Lifeline and dialing 988? The 988 Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005 and has been proven to be effective. Trained crisis counselors listen, provide support, and connect callers to resources when appropriate. https://lnkd.in/eSudYzdu). Men are less likely than women to seek help for depression, substance abuse and stressful life events due to: Social Norms, Reluctance to Talk and Downplaying Symptoms. One by one we can help change that. Open up the conversations, be a safe place for someone and offer help in a time of need. https://lnkd.in/eH-Wrd7i #MensHealthMonth #MensMentalHealth #BehavioralHealth #Healthcare

September is National Suicide Prevention Month All month in September, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Austin Public Health (APH) promotes resources like the 988 Lifeline (simply dial 988), Integral Care’s 24/7 Helpline and Youth Mental Health First Aid to prevent deaths by suicide in our community. According to the APH 2023 Critical Indicators Report, death by suicide is the seventh-leading cause of death in Travis County. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and while the rate is higher among people aged 25-65, teens and younger kids have had increasing rates of death by suicide since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone can help save a life and prevent suicide by knowing what to do in a crisis. According to the #BeThe1To campaign sponsored by Vibrant Emotional Health and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network, there are five action steps everyone should know to prevent suicide: Ask – Asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide and acknowledging you’re willing to talk about it reduces suicidal ideation, according to studies. Be there – Being physically present or letting someone know that you’re available to talk reduces the risk of suicide by increasing connectedness and limiting isolation. Help keep them safe – If you’ve established someone is thinking about suicide, continue the conversation to establish immediate safety by asking if they have done anything before talking to you, do they have a specific plan or what sort of access they have to a planned method. Help them connect – Connect the individual to support like the 988 Lifeline or help them develop a safety plan of what to do if they’re in crisis, such as a list of contacts to reach out to. Follow up – Call, leave a message or text the individual to check in with them and see if you can provide more help to increase their feelings of connectedness. Join the movement to prevent suicide by participating in National Suicide Prevention Month.

My LinkedIn people, I need your help! My calling in life, if you happen to believe in those, is to help prevent suicides. It saddened me to recently learn that suicides have doubled in the last 20 years among Division 1 athletes (https://lnkd.in/etFpWPjs.). This type of tragedy is avoidable - according to the AFSP 95% of people believe so. But it's not going to happen if we don't have conversations about it.   How prevalent is this growing problem? In 2021, for Americans between the ages of 10-65, more people died by suicide than car accidents (according to CDC data). Major industry groups with the highest suicide rates include mining, construction, auto repair, and arts, entertainment and recreation (https://lnkd.in/ei4V64sZ). Industries raising awareness for higher than average rates of suicide include, nurses (https://lnkd.in/eHPavjf6), veterans (https://lnkd.in/erakCSqY), veterinarians (https://lnkd.in/eRaTbMyu), and law enforcement (https://lnkd.in/e6a4fyiB). Many of you know of someone who has taken their own life. I share these statistics to show likely it is that someone else you work with would welcome talking about it. From my lived experience serving mental health and speaking on it, I would love to teach your team how to care for each other's mental wellbeing. After our time together, you'll have techniques to talk about mental health, loneliness and suicide prevention as a friend or colleague. Also, you will know where to draw the line between personal and professional help. But, I first need your help! My request from you is for one of the following: 1. Talk to your work team about bringing me in for an hour talk and Q&A about mental health and suicide prevention 2. Talk to your HR or ERG reps about bringing me into talk about mental health and suicide prevention, or 3. Share this post among your communities. You can schedule time with me in my Contact Links and we'll work out all the logistics. This is my fight, but you can help get me in the arena. Mental health month starts this week. Please, help me make it the most honest one, yet!