In Episode 51 : What Have We Learned About Suicide Prevention? we reviewed some of the most important things that we have learned about the prevention of suicide. The episode is partly a celebration of how much we have addressed since launching the podcast. It is also a pause to reflect on some of the most important lessons we have learned. As we have repeatedly say in the podcast, good mental health is the best prevention for suicide. For that reason we decided that for this blog we would direct your attention to some of our favorite mental health videos that are particularly related to the prevention of suicide. We hope you will check out one or more of these sites and the information and assistance available through them.
The Stigma Around Mental Health
In our podcast we have pointed out that the stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents people from reaching out for help. How do we overcome that sense of vulnerability? For inspiration on this, you can’t go wrong with Brene Brown. If you like this TED talk, see some of her many other books, articles, or videos.
People dealing with mental health issues often fear that their problems will be found out (that they will be outed). In this video, ABC news anchor Dan Harris shows his very public struggles with anxiety as well as how he has learned to cope effectively with it.
How Isolation Influences Suicide
We have stressed that isolation, a loss of connection, often precipitates a suicide attempt. This moving video illustrates the importance of connection for all of us. Look at the similarity between what this infant does and what the adults do.
Feeling Like You’re A Burden
Access to Means
We have also discussed the importance of reducing access to means of death as a way of preventing suicide. Take a look at this brief video from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center on this topic.
In Conclusion…
It is not easy to talk about suicide, but it is a lot easier than dealing with the aftermath of a completed suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in our country, but it is the least talked about of those causes. If we are willing to discuss this topic openly, we can prevent many of these deaths.