This Suicide Prevention Training (SPT) is designed for counselors and ministers, of all faiths, we have another SPT, designed specifically for Christian Ministers.
This training is an evidence-based (based on scientific research),a practical course designed to improve the confidence, skills and knowledge in both the assessment and management of people at risk of self-harm and suicide.
The objective of Suicide Prevention Training is to enhance a counselor or ministers comfort, confidence and competence in helping a person at risk of suicide.
Discuss suicide with a person at risk in a direct manner.
Identify risk alerts and develop a safe plan related to them.
Demonstrate the skills required to intervene with a person at risk of suicide.
List the types of resources available to a person at risk of suicide, including themselves.
Make a commitment to improving community resources and networking; and Recognize that suicide prevention is broader than suicide intervention and, includes life promotion and self-care for persons at risk and for ministers.
Counselor or Ministers and persons at risk are affected by personal and societal attitudes about suicide.
SPT Training does not offer therapy or counselling.
We must try to bring Hope where there is Hopelessness.
Hope in whatever shade it comes, will help .
This training is a positive hopeful intervention and it is hope more than anything else will help reduce the risks of premature death by suicide.
Just the act of really listening, may bring hope to a person who has no hope.
This training is not intended to be a form of counciling or treatment, it is intended to offer hope through positive action.
Hope begins with you !!!!!!!!!!!
Most of our information is from these public sites below, for further information visit:
https://www.hse.ie
http://www.samhsa.gov/
http://www.actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/
http://www.yourmentalhealth.ie
https://www.samaritans.org Call Freephone: 116 123 -Text: 0872609090 (standard text rates apply)
What is covered
Improve Attitudes
Myths associated with suicide
Ask and Listen
Talk about suicide with a person at risk in a straight forward manner
Intervene with compassion and hope
Increase confidence in dealing with people who are suicidal.
Refer
Get the help necessary, commit to helping co-ordinate social and professional supports likely to promote suicide safety.
Protective Factors for Suicide
Look at a list of protective factors to reduce suicide
Risk Factors Know the risk factors associated with suicide
Why training is important:
Every seventeen minutes, someone in the United States commits suicide.
Each day approximately 86 Americans commit suicide, and 1,500 people attempt suicide.
Suicide is the nation’s 10th leading cause of death.
For those 15-24 years of age, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
More Americans, an estimated 31,000, kill themselves than are killed by homicide.
More than 8 million adults reported having serious suicidal thoughts in the past year, 2.5 million people reported making a suicide plan in the past year, and 1.1 million reported a suicide attempt in the past year.
Nearly 16 percent of students in grades 9 to 12 report having seriously considered suicide, and 7.8 percent report having attempted suicide once or more in the past 12 months.
Warning Signs:
Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors:Talking about wanting to die; feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain; being a burden to others.
Looking for a way to kill oneself; Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless.
Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and Displaying extreme mood swings.
Extended depression, sadness or uncontrolled crying,Giving away personal or prized possessions.
Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lack of interest in personal appearance Withdrawal from friends.
Lack of energy or ambition, Restlessness or hyperactivity Increased risky behaviors.
Hopelessness and helplessness
Ways to Help:
Talking about Suicide
Having a serious, compassionate conversation without passing judgment shows that you are concerned for the person’s well-being and want to understand their pain.
When talking with someone about suicide, keep an open mind to their problems and feelings, but don’t pretend you have all the answers.
Asking someone openly if they are thinking of killing themselves will not push them over the edge.
The best thing you can do is to help the person connect with resources.
Things you can ask.
How are you doing?
Would you mind talking about how you feel?
Tell me more about how you feel.
Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
Do you have thoughts about suicide?
Are you thinking about ending your life?
Have you thought about methods you might use to take your life?
Good Questions to Ask:
“You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be,
they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if
you’re feeling that way, too?”
“You look pretty miserable, I wonder if you’re thinking about suicide?”
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Here are some things not to say:
Things aren’t so bad.
Don’t talk like that. It’s foolish.
I know you are probably not, but I wanted to check,are you thinking about suicide?
You’re not thinking about suicide are you?
Our problems are never as serious as we think they are
Asking the question in this manner provides for the likelihood that someone will respond “no” when they may mean “yes…”
If in doubt, don’t wait; ask the question. If the person is reluctant, be persistent.
Talk to the person alone in a private setting.
Allow the person to talk freely.
Give yourself plenty of time and have your resources handy with phone numbers and counselor’s name –
Any other information that might help.
Remember — How you ask the question is less important than that you do ask it.
Realize that someone might be suicidal.
Reach out. Asking the suicide question DOES NOT increase the risk.
Listen. Talking things out can save a life.
Don’t try to do everything yourself.
Don’t promise secrecy and don’t worry about being disloyal.
If intervention fails, call your mental health center, local hotline, or emergency services.
NOTE — If you cannot ask these questions, please find someone who can… Call 1.800.SUICIDE –
Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a minister or medical/mental health professional.
Author: Pastor Pat Buckley
Published: Jul 28, 2018
The objective of Suicide Prevention Training is to enhance a counselor or ministers comfort, confidence and competence in helping a person at risk of suicide.