Tag Archives: suicide

Mental Health First Aid, explained:

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), explained simply:

It’s like traditional first aid — but for mental health. Instead of learning how to help someone with a cut, burn, or broken bone, you learn how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, crisis, or developing problem.

What it is:

  • An educational program that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use challenges.
  • Not therapy or treatment — it’s about offering initial support until appropriate professional help is available (or until the crisis resolves).

Key Goals:

Recognize warning signs of mental health or substance use issues.

Provide reassurance and support in a nonjudgmental way.

Encourage appropriate professional help (therapist, doctor, counselor).

Promote self-help strategies (coping skills, community resources).

What you learn:

IF YOU ARE FEELING SUCIDAL PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL, E.R., OR CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBER and ASK FOR HELP, ASAP.

What will the Hospital Emergency Room do for a mental health crisis?

Assessment: A complete assessment will be done to understand the person’s mental health status, medical history, and any immediate risks. This process may involve interviews, medical physical exams, and maybe laboratory tests. Intervention: The Treatment might include crisis intervention techniques, medication, and observation.

MHFA courses usually cover:

  • Common mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use, trauma).
  • Crisis situations (panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, overdose).
  • A structured action plan, often summarized as ALGEE:
  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen nonjudgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other supports

Who it’s for:

  • Anyone — not just healthcare workers. It’s designed for teachers, parents, coworkers, first responders, and community members.

Why it matters:

  • Mental health challenges are common, but stigma often stops people from reaching out.
  • MHFA helps reduce stigma, increases understanding, and empowers people to step in confidently when someone needs support.

Think of it as “CPR for the mind” — a way for ordinary people to be the first line of support in a mental health emergency.

Shervan K Shahhian

Mental Health Professionals must be informed regarding up to date evidence-based approaches to suicide risk and suicidality:

“IF YOU or SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, PLEASE CALL 911 or 988 or GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM or HOSPITAL.”

Mental Health Professionals must be informed regarding up to date evidence-based approaches to suicide risk and suicidality:
Yes, it is essential for mental health professionals to stay informed about the latest evidence-based approaches to suicide risk and suicidality. This is because the understanding of suicide and its prevention evolves continuously as new research is conducted. Staying up to date ensures that practitioners are providing the best possible care to individuals at risk, using the most effective and scientifically validated methods.
Key reasons why mental health professionals need current knowledge include:
Improved Risk Assessment: Modern approaches emphasize the use of standardized, evidence-based tools for assessing suicide risk, which helps in identifying individuals at higher risk more accurately.
Personalized Care: New research often highlights the need for individualized treatment plans. Professionals can better address the specific needs of their clients, factoring in their history, circumstances, and unique risk factors.
Effective Intervention Strategies: As evidence emerges, new interventions are found to be more effective in reducing suicidality, including therapeutic techniques, pharmacological treatments, and crisis management.
Cultural Sensitivity: Up-to-date knowledge helps ensure that approaches are culturally competent and respectful of the diverse populations served, improving outcomes and engagement.
Prevention and Early Detection: Evidence-based practices contribute to improved strategies for suicide prevention, early intervention, and postvention, potentially saving lives.

Mental health professionals should engage in continuous education, attend relevant training, and regularly review the latest studies, clinical guidelines, and recommendations to ensure their practice aligns with the most effective and ethical methods available.

“IF YOU or SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, PLEASE CALL 911 or 988 or GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM or HOSPITAL.”

Shervan K Shahhian

Recognizing Suicide warning signs:

Recognizing Suicide warning signs:

Resources

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 988 OR 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR HOSPITAL.

Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is a crucial step in providing help to someone who may be at risk.

Here are some common signs to watch for:

1. Verbal Expressions

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live.
  • Saying they feel like a burden to others.
  • Mentioning unbearable pain or feeling trapped.

2. Behavioral Changes

  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities.
  • Giving away possessions or making arrangements for their belongings.
  • Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
  • Engaging in reckless or self-destructive behaviors, such as unsafe driving or risky activities.
  • Sudden changes in mood — either extreme sadness or calmness after a period of distress.
  • Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.

3. Emotional and Physical Signs

  • Persistent sadness or depression.
  • Intense anxiety or agitation.
  • Irritability or rage.
  • Changes in sleep patterns — sleeping too much or too little.
  • Drastic changes in appetite or weight.

4. Indirect or Subtle Signs

  • Writing about death or posting troubling messages on social media.
  • Saying goodbye to loved ones in an unusual or significant way.
  • Expressing feelings of being trapped or having no options.
  • Increased focus on death, dying, or violence.

Immediate Danger Signs

If someone exhibits the following signs, they may be in immediate danger, and you should seek help immediately:

  • Talking about a specific plan or means to carry out suicide.
  • Acquiring tools or methods (e.g., pills, weapons) for self-harm.
  • Sudden calmness after severe depression, which could indicate a decision to act.

How to Help

  1. Listen without judgment: Let them express their feelings openly.
  2. Show empathy: Acknowledge their pain and validate their feelings.
  3. Ask directly: If you’re concerned, ask them directly if they’re thinking about suicide. This won’t plant the idea but can open the door for honest discussion.
  4. Encourage professional help: Guide them toward contacting a counselor, therapist, or suicide hotline.
  5. Ensure safety: If they are in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Call emergency services or a crisis hotline for assistance.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Early intervention can save lives.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 988 OR 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR HOSPITAL.

Shervan K Shahhian

Alarming rise in Suicides among active-duty service members, how can Mental Health professionals help:

Alarming rise in Suicides among active-duty service members, how can Mental Health professionals help:

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?msclkid=3a15a380b23a1a7ca369c4f163aea17d

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 988 OR 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR HOSPITAL.

The alarming rise in suicides among active-duty service members is a deeply concerning issue that requires a multifaceted approach.

Mental health professionals can play a critical role in prevention, support, and intervention by implementing the following strategies:

1. Proactive Screening and Early Intervention

  • Regular Assessments: Conduct regular mental health screenings to identify early signs of depression, PTSD, or suicidal ideation.
  • Embedded Mental Health Professionals: Place mental health professionals within units to build trust and provide immediate support.
  • Crisis Response Training: Equip leaders and peers to recognize signs of distress and refer individuals to mental health services.

2. Destigmatizing Mental Health Care

  • Normalize Seeking Help: Promote mental health care as a sign of strength and resilience, not weakness.
  • Leadership Advocacy: Encourage senior leaders to openly support and utilize mental health services.
  • Anonymous Services: Provide confidential or anonymous avenues for service members to access help.

3. Enhanced Access to Care

  • On-Base Resources: Ensure easy access to mental health services on military installations.
  • Telehealth Options: Offer virtual counseling for those in remote or operational areas.
  • 24/7 Crisis Lines: Maintain hotlines staffed by professionals trained in military-specific stressors.

4. Culturally Competent Care

  • Understand Military Culture: Train mental health professionals to understand the unique stressors of military life, such as deployment, separation from family, and combat exposure.
  • Tailored Interventions: Develop treatment plans that align with the service member’s values and experiences.

5. Building Resilience

  • Stress Management Training: Offer workshops on coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral skills.
  • Peer Support Programs: Foster peer-to-peer support networks to provide informal emotional and social support.
  • Focus on Family: Engage family members in education and support programs to create a robust support system.

6. Long-Term Monitoring and Post-Service Support

  • Transition Assistance: Provide mental health support during the transition to civilian life, a period of heightened vulnerability.
  • Follow-Up Programs: Ensure continuous care for veterans to prevent long-term mental health issues.

7. Advocacy and Policy Change

  • Resource Allocation: Advocate for increased funding for mental health services and research within the military.
  • Policy Reforms: Work to reduce barriers to care, such as lengthy wait times or bureaucratic processes.
  • Data-Driven Strategies: Use research to identify trends and implement evidence-based suicide prevention programs.

8. Community Collaboration

  • Partnerships with Civilian Providers: Collaborate with local mental health organizations and VA facilities to extend support networks.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Increase awareness about military mental health issues in the broader community.

Addressing the rise in suicides among active-duty service members demands commitment, compassion, and collaboration across all levels of the military, mental health, and society.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 988 OR 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR HOSPITAL.

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?msclkid=3a15a380b23a1a7ca369c4f163aea17d

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 988 OR 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR HOSPITAL.

Shervan K Shahhian

Suicides are on the rise in the Military, what is the solution:

Suicides are on the rise in the Military, what is the solution:

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 988 OR 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR HOSPITAL.

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?msclkid=3a15a380b23a1a7ca369c4f163aea17d

The rising rate of suicides in the military is a critical issue that requires a multifaceted and compassionate approach. Addressing this complex problem involves strategies at multiple levels: individual, organizational, and societal.

Here are some potential solutions:

1. Enhance Mental Health Support

  • Improve Access to Mental Health Care: Increase availability and reduce the stigma of seeking mental health services. Deploy more mental health professionals within units and ensure they are easily accessible.
  • Regular Mental Health Screenings: Implement regular, mandatory mental health evaluations to detect early warning signs of distress.
  • Confidential Counseling Services: Provide confidential options for therapy to encourage service members to seek help without fear of career repercussions.

2. Leadership Training

  • Educate Leaders on Mental Health: Train military leaders at all levels to recognize signs of emotional distress and how to support service members effectively.
  • Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where service members feel comfortable discussing personal challenges without fear of judgment or retaliation.

3. Address Systemic Stressors

  • Manage Operational Tempo: Prolonged deployments, frequent relocations, and intense training cycles can contribute to stress. Providing sufficient downtime and recovery periods can help alleviate these pressures.
  • Financial and Family Support: Strengthen support systems for financial stability, housing, and family care, as these stressors can exacerbate mental health struggles.

4. Community Building

  • Peer Support Networks: Establish programs that allow service members to connect and share experiences, fostering camaraderie and mutual support.
  • Veteran Integration: Ensure seamless transitions from active duty to civilian life, with support for employment, education, and healthcare.

5. Combat Stigma

  • Normalize Mental Health Discussions: Launch awareness campaigns that destigmatize seeking help for mental health challenges.
  • Highlight Stories of Recovery: Share stories of service members who sought help and overcame challenges to inspire others.

6. Innovative Solutions

  • Technology-Assisted Care: Leverage telehealth, apps, and AI-driven tools for mental health monitoring and intervention.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Use data analytics to identify at-risk individuals and tailor interventions based on patterns of behavior.

7. Policy and Oversight

  • Accountability: Hold leadership accountable for fostering a healthy work environment and addressing toxic behaviors.
  • Invest in Research: Allocate resources to study the causes of military suicides and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs.

8. Community Involvement

  • Engage Families and Communities: Educate families and communities on how to support service members and recognize signs of crisis.
  • Collaborate with Nonprofits: Work with organizations that specialize in veteran and military mental health for additional resources and programs.

These strategies require commitment and collaboration across all levels of the military and society. Most importantly, they need to be implemented with compassion, ensuring every service member feels valued and supported.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 988 OR 911, OR GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR HOSPITAL.

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?msclkid=3a15a380b23a1a7ca369c4f163aea17d

Shervan K Shahhian

Senior Crisis Counselors, what do they do:

Senior Crisis Counselors, what do they do:

Senior Crisis Counselors play a crucial role in providing support and intervention during times of crisis. Their responsibilities often extend beyond those of regular crisis counselors, as they may have additional experience, training, and leadership responsibilities.

Here are some common duties and characteristics associated with Senior Crisis Counselors:

Leadership and Supervision:

  • Provide guidance and supervision to other crisis counselors.
  • Oversee crisis intervention teams and ensure smooth operations during high-stress situations.

Training and Development:

  • Conduct training sessions for new crisis counselors, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle various crisis situations.
  • Facilitate ongoing training and professional development for the crisis counseling team.

Clinical Expertise:

  • Apply advanced clinical skills to assess and manage crisis situations effectively.
  • Offer specialized support for complex cases or individuals with unique needs.

Decision-Making:

  • Make critical decisions during crisis situations, often involving a high degree of responsibility and quick thinking.
  • Collaborate with other mental health professionals and emergency services to determine the best course of action.

Resource Coordination:

  • Collaborate with community organizations, mental health agencies, and other resources to ensure comprehensive support for individuals in crisis.
  • Stay informed about available resources and services to provide appropriate referrals.

Crisis Intervention:

  • Provide direct crisis intervention and support to individuals in distress.
  • Assist in de-escalating situations and developing safety plans for those at risk.

Program Development:

  • Contribute to the development and improvement of crisis intervention programs.
  • Propose and implement strategies to enhance the overall effectiveness of crisis counseling services.

Documentation and Reporting:

  • Maintain accurate and thorough records of crisis interventions.
  • Prepare reports on crisis trends, outcomes, and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Supervision of Hotline Services:

  • Oversee hotline services, ensuring that crisis calls are handled appropriately and that callers receive the necessary support.

Self-Care and Team Support:

  • Promote self-care practices among crisis counseling staff.
  • Provide emotional support and debriefing sessions for team members after challenging or traumatic incidents.

Senior Crisis Counselors play a pivotal role in the overall success and effectiveness of crisis intervention services, bringing both experience and leadership to the team. Their work contributes to the well-being of individuals in crisis and helps build a more resilient and supportive community.

Shervan K Shahhian

Suicide prevention research:

Suicide prevention research:

Suicide prevention is a critical area of research aimed at understanding the factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as developing effective strategies to prevent suicide. Researchers investigate various aspects of suicide prevention to improve our understanding and implement evidence-based interventions.

Here are some key areas of suicide prevention research:

Risk Factors and Protective Factors:

Identifying the risk factors that make individuals more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Investigating protective factors that may buffer against the development of suicidal tendencies.
Mental Health Disorders:

Examining the relationship between mental health disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder) and suicide risk.
Identifying effective treatments for mental health conditions to reduce suicide risk.
Social and Environmental Factors:

Studying the impact of social and environmental factors, including access to lethal means, social support, and economic stressors.
Analyzing the role of stigma and discrimination in contributing to suicide risk.
Screening and Assessment:

Developing and validating screening tools for identifying individuals at risk of suicide.
Improving the accuracy of risk assessments to guide intervention efforts.
Intervention Strategies:

Evaluating the effectiveness of various intervention strategies, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and crisis helplines.
Implementing and testing community-based prevention programs.
Technology and Suicide Prevention:

Exploring the role of technology, such as online platforms and mobile applications, in suicide prevention.
Developing innovative approaches to reach at-risk populations through digital means.
Postvention and Bereavement:

Researching effective postvention strategies for individuals who have attempted suicide or lost someone to suicide.
Understanding the long-term impact of suicide on families and communities.
Public Health Approaches:

Implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
Analyzing the impact of policy changes on suicide rates.
Cross-Cultural Studies:

Examining cultural and regional differences in suicide rates and risk factors.
Developing culturally sensitive prevention strategies.
Longitudinal Studies:

Conducting long-term studies to track individuals at risk and understand the trajectory of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Collaboration between researchers, mental health professionals, policymakers, and community organizations is essential to advance our understanding of suicide prevention and implement effective measures to save lives.

Shervan K Shahhian