Building Resilience: A Call to Action for Suicide Prevention
In this episode of Bridging the Gap, hosted by Utah Behavior Services, we sat down with Mindy Deeter and Allison Phillips to discuss the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are concerned about someone or a loved one, help is available. Call 988 for free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
Key Points of Episode 2: Building Resilience: A Call to Action for Suicide Prevention
The conversation highlights September’s Suicide Awareness Month and explores AFSP’s mission of education, advocacy, and research. AFSP is a nonprofit organization run primarily by volunteers, advocating for suicide prevention and providing resources to communities nationwide. Mindy shares her personal journey with AFSP, explaining how the loss of her best friend to suicide inspired her to become a vocal advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.
Discussion Points:
•Warning Signs and Intervention: The team emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs and being open to discussing suicidal thoughts without stigma. They stress the need to ask direct questions, such as “Are you thinking about suicide?” to reduce shame and open up channels for support.
•Supporting Loved Ones: Both Allison and Mindy talk about their roles in providing support to individuals in crisis. Allison explains the importance of removing barriers between suicidal thoughts and actions by engaging family members in the process and promoting awareness of mental health resources.
•988 Crisis Line: This newly introduced 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 helpline for individuals in mental health crises, which can also be used by family members or loved ones seeking advice on how to support someone in need.
•Safety Plans: A major takeaway from the episode is the value of safety plans—personalized tools that help individuals manage their mental health and identify coping strategies during times of crisis.
•Community Involvement: The AFSP’s Out of Darkness Community Walks raise awareness and foster a sense of community for those impacted by suicide. The walks will take place throughout Utah in September, with Utah Behavior Services sponsoring events in Salt Lake, Brigham City, and Cedar City.
At Utah Behavior Services, the focus on suicide prevention is rooted in empathy, education, and community support.
By encouraging open conversations about suicide, promoting the use of safety plans, and advocating for access to critical resources like the 988 Lifeline, Utah Behavior Services is dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. The Out of Darkness Walks in Utah further strengthens the cause by raising awareness and providing a supportive space for survivors, advocates, and community members to unite for suicide prevention.
