Suicide prevention training available for local groups, workplaces
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Ellen Anderson, Ph.D., a professional clinical counselor from Bowling Green, leads a discussion Wednesday morning at the Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training offered at Green Hills Community to area residents involved with the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)
Warning signs of suicide risk Provided by Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties Feelings: 90 percent of completed suicides are completed by people experiencing symptoms of depression; be attentive for: hopelessness, irritability, sadness/crying. Verbal Clues: Talking about suicide or harming self, including “Everyone would be better off without me,” “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up,” “Nobody understands — nobody feels the way I do,” “There’s nothing I can do to make it better,” “There’s no way out,” “I’d be better off dead,” “Next time I’ll do it right” (referring to a failed suicide attempt). Behavioral Clues: Increase in risky/wreckless behavior, insomnia, getting affairs in order, good-bye visits, messages or conversations, (increased) substance use, previous suicidal thoughts or attempts, giving away personal belongings, isolation or withdrawal. Life or Situational Events: Loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship (divorce or break-up), significant financial changes, job loss, declining health condition.
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About 40 different individuals involved in various capacities with the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties attended a “Train the Trainers” event Wednesday that will provide them with the tools necessary to present similar life-saving information on the difficult subject of suicide.
Professional clinical counselor Ellen Anderson, Ph.D., of Bowling Green has traveled across the state for the past 15 years to present the Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training that she developed.
The program has a number of goals, including reducing the stigma of mental illness, especially about depression and suicide, and providing participants with the ability to be a “gatekeeper” whenever they meet someone contemplating suicide to help jump start his or her path to wellness.
It also is offered in easy-to-understand language using non-clinical terms that individuals involved in any field, from clergy members to law enforcement, teachers, elder care providers, and other community residents, can quickly comprehend.
For that reason, Suicide Prevention Coalition members who were trained Wednesday at Green Hills Community, 6557 S. U.S. Route 68, West Liberty, will now be able to share this information with any interested local group — from churches to workplaces, schools and other area agencies, said Karey Thompson, coalition director.
“We’re open to working with any group in the community to get this information out there,” she said. “We can tailor the training to any group and any length of time they might have.
“We want to help area residents be more comfortable if they are faced with a situation where their friends, family or co-workers are depressed or suicidal, in knowing the steps to take to get help for that person. It’s also important for people to be able to recognize the signs of depression in themselves.”
Read complete story in Thursday’s Examiner.
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