Suicide has been a prevalent and prominent issue throughout history

Watch the Ted Talk videos (https://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_forbes_how_to_start_a_conversation_about_suicide), (https://www.ted.com/talks/jd_schramm_break_the_silence_for_suicide_attempt_survivors)

The first video focuses on the commonality of suicidal thoughts and ways to generate discussion of them. The second focuses on those who survive one attempt but who may try again without getting help or support.

After watching these videos, and being sure to use information or examples from the videos, post and address the following:

1. In what ways can we “create” more dialogue for those considering self-harm? Address both the mental health system and our society at large.
2. Discuss how you would attempt to respond to a friend or acquaintance who expressed suicidal thoughts. What steps might you take to encourage them to seek help and/or dissuade them from suicide?

Your written response should be scholarly and comprehensive and  You need to provide evidence through your writing that you have a thorough understanding of the text material and information in the learning module. Be sure to include “APA” style in-text citations and references.

**Help plugging the References throughout the paper***

If you have any extra stuff you would like to add that would be helpful as well

Suicide and Speaking Out

To create more dialogue for those considering self-harm, it is necessary to examine the mental health system and how our society approaches the topic of suicide.

Regarding the mental health system, it is essential to ensure that mental health services are accessible to all who need them and that mental health providers are informed and knowledgeable about the signs of suicidal ideation.

Mental health providers must also remain committed to comprehensive, trauma-informed care while respecting confidentiality and privacy.

On the societal level, our culture needs to focus on normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide.

This should include discussions in educational settings, the workplace, churches, and other social environments.

We need to actively work at creating an environment where talking about mental health and suicide is not seen as taboo and instead is treated as an essential part of overall well-being.

This can be done by talking openly about these subjects and having empathetic conversations with struggling people. We must also normalize seeking help and show those who are struggling that there are resources available to them that can help.

If a friend or acquaintance expresses suicidal thoughts, it is essential to take them seriously and to support them in seeking help. The primary response should be patience and understanding, as open dialogue is necessary to understand the issues. It is also essential to focus on finding solutions, not just discussing the problems.

Various techniques can be used to respond to someone expressing suicidal thoughts, such as validating their feelings, problem-solving, calling a crisis hotline, or referring them to a mental health professional. Above all else, it is essential to remain supportive, offering resources and assistance and reminding the individual that they are not alone.

To create a supportive environment for those considering self-harm, it is essential to focus on the availability of mental health services and educate and inform mental health providers.

We must also work to normalize conversations about mental health and suicide in various societal settings and strive to create an environment where seeking help is not seen as a sign of weakness.

Finally, if someone expresses suicidal thoughts, it is essential to show them support and empathy while providing them with the necessary resources to seek help and get the assistance they need.

Through this approach, we can ensure that those struggling with suicidal thoughts can get the service they need and that no one has to face it alone

Reference

Tunno, A. M., Inscoe, A. B., Goldston, D. B., & Asarnow, J. R. (2021). A trauma-informed approach to youth suicide prevention and intervention. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 6(3), 316-327.

• Butler, L. D., Critelli, F. M., & Rinfrette, E. S. (2011). Trauma-informed care and mental health. Directions in Psychiatry, 31(3), 197-212.
• Asarnow, J. R., Goldston, D. B., Tunno, A. M., Inscoe, A. B., & Pynoos, R. (2020). Suicide, self-harm, & traumatic stress exposure: A trauma-informed approach to the evaluation and management of suicide risk. Evidence-based practice in child and adolescent mental health, 5(4), 483-500.