Shannon Story, MS, PLMHP’s Post

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we pause to reflect on the importance of connection, compassion, and support. Suicide is a global crisis, and behind every statistic is a story. A person who was struggling, often in silence. Every life is precious, and it's critical that we foster environments where people feel safe to talk about their struggles and seek help without stigma. But awareness is only part of the equation. We need to ensure that everyone; (not just those in crisis) has access to the right resources, and we must also prioritize the wellbeing of those providing support. If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. There is help. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7 to offer support. And let’s remember that it’s okay not to be okay. What matters is knowing where to turn when you need help 💙

I did not think about suicide much prior to 2017. Of course, I knew about it but up until that point it had not touched me or my inner circle. Then it did touch me. From that moment on suicide has taken up a spot in my mind, and I think about it more than I would like. The impact of losing someone close to you to suicide is something I was not prepared for. I was on a course personally and professionally, and after that loss I was thrown off trajectory. I questioned my path, I started to believe the worst things in life could indeed happen, hyper vigilance went through the roof. So many of my relationships changed because people did not know how to talk to me about the loss I just had. Not only was I dealing with the loss of someone close to me, but there was this extra layer there that 7 years later I am still digging through. And then…there is the fact that someone I loved felt such despair that they thought the only way through was out of this plane of existence. Could I have done something different, something more? To be honest I am not sure, and I try not to dwell on that. What I do know is that I am open and honest about what happened in my family so that I can hopefully change one outcome, save one life, let one more person stay on this planet to find what they were meant for. September 10th each year is World Suicide Prevention Day. I am not sure about the language around prevention, but what I am sure is that the only way we can move the needle around this topic is to bring it into the light. To talk about the act. To talk about the pain that brings someone to that point. To talk about the pain the people left behind feel. To talk, really talk to each other. One last thought. As you navigate the professional world you likely interact with people struggling. You have the choice to be kind, to support people, to just be human in the workplace. I ask each of you to do just that, be human to another human.  Work is important, but our collective wellbeing is the key to it all. #stay  #suicideprevention #mentalhealth #suicideawareness

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. Today I think of my cousin Tommy, a soul taken from us too soon as a result of suicide. Not a day has gone by that I have not missed him and wished we could talk. Every year I have kept his memory alive by donating to the #AFSP or participating in their charity walks and raising money to prevent future losses. I have gotten to know this community in a way no one wishes to, as a suicide loss survivor. Through this involvement, I have found peace knowing I have played a part in someone else's healing. The theme for #WorldSuicidePrevention Day for this year is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," with the call to action "Start the Conversation." "This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support. The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support." - World Health Organization Today, I implore you to think of ways you can actively prevent suicide and raise awareness. Please reference the #AFSP and World Health Organization's resources.

Awareness is the first step in bringing the grim statistics of suicide to the surface: *Over 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2022 -- That equates to 1 death every 11 minutes. *The suicide rate among males in 2022 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. *Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10–14 and 20–34 in 2021. Not sure what the answer is, but these are humbling statistics. I know I/we can do better. #inthistogether #tomorrowsgeneration #belonging #988

As an individual who has spent more days struggling with suicidality than not, it is essential that we provide funding to expand research on suicidality so that we can mitigate this devastating brain disease. It is also imperative for individuals to be able to talk about their suicidal thoughts and feelings without judgement so that they can learn to close the door on suicide. #mentalhealthawareness

Most of the time, there are warning signs. We might not want to admit it, but most of the time, they are there. Most of the time, it is a scary situation, how a person will react if you ask them about it, what will you do if they admit to being in a bad place. Other times we just don't want to get involved, we have to much on our own plate. But my lesson, that I share with you today is: If you care about them, be courageous enough to ask, be willing to listen, and learn about the resources available to both of you. Resources that I recommend: 👍 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention ☎ #988 crisis line 📞 Local Crisis teams - google search for yours 💻 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - offered by most employers 👥 Survivors who share their stories #bevulnerable #listen #beprepared #advocate

Prioritize your mental health. Be kind to each other, check on someone just to say you care. Consider signing up for a walk near you - we can never raise too much awareness around the prevention of suicide. #OutofTheDarkness #mentalhealthmatters

Home safety for older adults is crucial to stay independence & age in place. One major key for safety is to declutter! We recognize that it is not easy, but it is a high priority. To start, first consider what items you would like to give away, donate, toss or keep. Don't know where to start or feel overwhelmed? Give us a call today at 614-743-1795 for a free consultation. #HelpFirst

A regular, reliable income is essential for St Ann’s, enabling us to care for patients and their loved ones, like Joanna, both now and in the future. 🩵 One of the best ways to support us is through regular donations. This provides a stable income stream for the hospice, allowing us to plan more effectively, operate more efficiently, and help as many people as possible who are impacted by life-limiting illnesses. You can choose to donate monthly, quarterly, or annually, and the amount is entirely up to you. Learn more about regular giving and the difference you can make here: https://buff.ly/4f7zzTX

Abuse hurts, abuse destroys. Abuse kills. The statistics below are just a snapshot, and even these are horrific. Now imagine the actual lived experience of someone who has endured an abusive relationship or an abusive childhood. Day after day, year after year. Donate today and support critical work to help individuals and families heal. Donate to support work to end such injustices. Donate here: www.nour.org.uk/donate #abuseawareness #charity #Nour #trauma #traumarecovery #traumainformed #traumahealing #traumahealingjourney #VAWG