This Week’s Spark – April 22, 2010
This first article has appeared before, “tailoring messages to change behavior in Gatekeepers,” I think all our messages should always be audience specific, that way they will be most effective.
This next peace mentions that “Teen bullying can be a red flag for Depression, “while I understand what Ann Haas of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention meant “that bullying and suicide should not be thought of as cause and effect.” Madelyn Gould of Columbia University spoke of a “clear association,” between bullying, suicide, depression and suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. There was an excellent program on PBS last night about bullying and suicide (hopefully they will be repeating it this month, please see it if you can)
I think bullying left uncheck by school personnel or employers, supervisors (someone in authority) then this may lead to desperate behaviors for the victim to seek relief from the bullying. I admit I’m not an expert on bullying, however (Ain mentioned it) we are hoping Kevin Epling can share some of his insight with us. I believe he is just getting back from a national conference on bullying and a good friend of MASP.
The National Conference of State Legislators has issued a brief on Teen Suicide, I find this encouraging with all the budget cuts hitting mental health, I can hope and pray that they leave enough of the “safety net” for the rest of us to survive.
Stay safe, stay connected
Larry Lewis
Showing posts with label Spark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spark. Show all posts
Weekly Spark - 4/8/2010
This week’s Spark – April 8th, 2010
Google is responding to an increase in searches relating to “suicide and ways to commit” by posting the 1 800 273 Talk logo and a link. We hope this helps someone that might be thinking of harming themselves. Another article from the Washington Post on Pilots that can now take antidepressants and still fly, this changes a previous ruling that banned antidepressants while pilots were flying because of possible side effects.
Colorado State University is trying to take steps to better understand suicide among students and prevent them. Is this the same University that was trying to change the rules to allow students to carrying concealed guns? While I do not wish to open a “right to bear arms debate,” I believe the minority is trying to do the same thing at Oakland University. After Virginia Tech, the safety of the students should be left up to the Universities and with suicide being the second leading cause of death among 18 to 25 year olds, we do not need to increase access to lethal means.
Returning brigade to get extra PTSD checks, while that sounds good I’m wondering since PTSD does not always surface right away but will appear at internals up to several years after the tragic events and certain triggers can cause flashbacks, but I’m not an expert. I think the continued mentoring of returning soldiers will have to be on-going for some time.
*Please see this Weeks Spark for additional articles and more information*
This past Saturday’s MASP meeting went well even though we went over our time limit. (I’m trying to keep our meetings to 2 hours). We had two new members which we welcomed. We are always looking for new members to help us expand our programs and aid us in our projects. We are looking forward to getting information to Michigan’s funeral directors to help them in understanding how suicide is different than other deaths and how it affects survivors. Maybe we’ll see you at our next meeting, Saturday May 1 in Fenton at O’Malleys, US-23 and Own Road. Lunch at 11:30- 12:30 Meeting starts at 12:30 - 2:30.
Remember Stay safe stay connected
Larry Lewis
Google is responding to an increase in searches relating to “suicide and ways to commit” by posting the 1 800 273 Talk logo and a link. We hope this helps someone that might be thinking of harming themselves. Another article from the Washington Post on Pilots that can now take antidepressants and still fly, this changes a previous ruling that banned antidepressants while pilots were flying because of possible side effects.
Colorado State University is trying to take steps to better understand suicide among students and prevent them. Is this the same University that was trying to change the rules to allow students to carrying concealed guns? While I do not wish to open a “right to bear arms debate,” I believe the minority is trying to do the same thing at Oakland University. After Virginia Tech, the safety of the students should be left up to the Universities and with suicide being the second leading cause of death among 18 to 25 year olds, we do not need to increase access to lethal means.
Returning brigade to get extra PTSD checks, while that sounds good I’m wondering since PTSD does not always surface right away but will appear at internals up to several years after the tragic events and certain triggers can cause flashbacks, but I’m not an expert. I think the continued mentoring of returning soldiers will have to be on-going for some time.
*Please see this Weeks Spark for additional articles and more information*
This past Saturday’s MASP meeting went well even though we went over our time limit. (I’m trying to keep our meetings to 2 hours). We had two new members which we welcomed. We are always looking for new members to help us expand our programs and aid us in our projects. We are looking forward to getting information to Michigan’s funeral directors to help them in understanding how suicide is different than other deaths and how it affects survivors. Maybe we’ll see you at our next meeting, Saturday May 1 in Fenton at O’Malleys, US-23 and Own Road. Lunch at 11:30- 12:30 Meeting starts at 12:30 - 2:30.
Remember Stay safe stay connected
Larry Lewis
Weekly Spark - 3/24/2010
This week’s Spark – March 24th, 2010 offers more good articles on research, memorials and developing PSA’s for suicide prevention.
The previous research from the military suggests that veterans that have traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are experiencing mental health problems including substance abuse were 21 times more likely to attempt suicide. They then listed both risk factors and protective factors that the veterans identified. This study suggested that they desired long-term support both with treatment, employment and help in support for the families of the military. Strengthening religious and spiritual dimensions could also help veterans in self-esteem and redefining self-worth.
On CNN this week psychologists warned that memorials can trigger additional suicides. This might have been part of the discussion going on about Cornell University in New York, where a rash of six suicides have occurred over a short time frame. We have seen problems like this here in Michigan. SPRC suggests everyone refer to the publication “After a suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services and Other Public Memorial Observances.” I believe it is always better to step back, take a deep breath and try to follow the conventional wisdom. We can honor the individual, not the act.
Minnesota with the help of its Public Health department and SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) held a two year contest to allow students to develop their own PSA’s targeted for schools. Please go to the Weekly Spark for additional articles and more in depth information.
As spring has arrived to Michigan we need to look forward to activities we can achieve through our efforts. I sent a packet to the Michigan Association of Funeral Directors here included is the SAMHSA booklet providing a guild for Funeral Directors. I encourage others to do the same with their local Funeral directors. Vanessa and I went to Wayne States School of Nursing this Saturday, where she presented on how to work with suicidal patients. This small event was well received. I believe as an organization we have to reach out to other institutions and let them know about what we can offer to them.
On a final take, I spoke with someone, “who has my back,” and he assured me that he was also ready to step-in and start “blogging” this would be great, to all of the others out there, you know who you (advisory board included) feel free to also step-up. This will make for a much wider diversity of options’, positions and topics. Remember
Stay safe, stay connected, Larry Lewis
The previous research from the military suggests that veterans that have traumatic brain injury (TBI) who are experiencing mental health problems including substance abuse were 21 times more likely to attempt suicide. They then listed both risk factors and protective factors that the veterans identified. This study suggested that they desired long-term support both with treatment, employment and help in support for the families of the military. Strengthening religious and spiritual dimensions could also help veterans in self-esteem and redefining self-worth.
On CNN this week psychologists warned that memorials can trigger additional suicides. This might have been part of the discussion going on about Cornell University in New York, where a rash of six suicides have occurred over a short time frame. We have seen problems like this here in Michigan. SPRC suggests everyone refer to the publication “After a suicide: Recommendations for Religious Services and Other Public Memorial Observances.” I believe it is always better to step back, take a deep breath and try to follow the conventional wisdom. We can honor the individual, not the act.
Minnesota with the help of its Public Health department and SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) held a two year contest to allow students to develop their own PSA’s targeted for schools. Please go to the Weekly Spark for additional articles and more in depth information.
As spring has arrived to Michigan we need to look forward to activities we can achieve through our efforts. I sent a packet to the Michigan Association of Funeral Directors here included is the SAMHSA booklet providing a guild for Funeral Directors. I encourage others to do the same with their local Funeral directors. Vanessa and I went to Wayne States School of Nursing this Saturday, where she presented on how to work with suicidal patients. This small event was well received. I believe as an organization we have to reach out to other institutions and let them know about what we can offer to them.
On a final take, I spoke with someone, “who has my back,” and he assured me that he was also ready to step-in and start “blogging” this would be great, to all of the others out there, you know who you (advisory board included) feel free to also step-up. This will make for a much wider diversity of options’, positions and topics. Remember
Stay safe, stay connected, Larry Lewis
Weekly Spark - 3/17/2010
Just a few comments about this week’s Spark – March 17, 2010
First of all there is a research summary from Europe entitled “Economic Supports Prevent Suicides in times of High Unemployment,” This research will also give us a different view of how other countries are dealing with the global recession. This focus could help us here in Michigan, since our economy has been in decline for over a decade. I hope they find that because of the longevity of this economic recession that we will have learned resilience in life coping skills coming out of this period. Another article about depression in parents shows up in children also having anxiety, depression, and drug or alcohol dependence among other problems. P.S. another perspective from Australia: this time the under-diagnosed cases of depression in children and adolescents.
New York state and county jails with high rates of suicide, while a federal judge ordered suicide prevention experts to investigate the problem is being held up because they cannot agree on the interview process. Because of a whole list of issues not just the liability of correctional institutions to prevent injury and possible death while someone is incarcerated they tend to be less open to outside help.
Please check out this week’s Spark at SPRC, excellent webinar’s on many topics. These are great training and learning tools FREE to all of us, all you have to do is sign up to participate.
Before I close this post I wanted to mention the U.S. Census all of us should have received one this week. On a personal note I signed up to work and help get everyone counted. I know many of us are busy with everything in our lives; however the Census is VERY IMPORTANT to all of us. This determines how federal and state programs allocate their monies such as schools, roads and many programs we take for granted, also how many delegates a state gets. I could go on and on, the benefits far out-weight the few minutes it takes to fill out, and last but not least it only happens once every ten years. Please fill out your form and mail it back quickly, thank you.
Stay safe, stay connected Larry Lewis
First of all there is a research summary from Europe entitled “Economic Supports Prevent Suicides in times of High Unemployment,” This research will also give us a different view of how other countries are dealing with the global recession. This focus could help us here in Michigan, since our economy has been in decline for over a decade. I hope they find that because of the longevity of this economic recession that we will have learned resilience in life coping skills coming out of this period. Another article about depression in parents shows up in children also having anxiety, depression, and drug or alcohol dependence among other problems. P.S. another perspective from Australia: this time the under-diagnosed cases of depression in children and adolescents.
New York state and county jails with high rates of suicide, while a federal judge ordered suicide prevention experts to investigate the problem is being held up because they cannot agree on the interview process. Because of a whole list of issues not just the liability of correctional institutions to prevent injury and possible death while someone is incarcerated they tend to be less open to outside help.
Please check out this week’s Spark at SPRC, excellent webinar’s on many topics. These are great training and learning tools FREE to all of us, all you have to do is sign up to participate.
Before I close this post I wanted to mention the U.S. Census all of us should have received one this week. On a personal note I signed up to work and help get everyone counted. I know many of us are busy with everything in our lives; however the Census is VERY IMPORTANT to all of us. This determines how federal and state programs allocate their monies such as schools, roads and many programs we take for granted, also how many delegates a state gets. I could go on and on, the benefits far out-weight the few minutes it takes to fill out, and last but not least it only happens once every ten years. Please fill out your form and mail it back quickly, thank you.
Stay safe, stay connected Larry Lewis
Weekly Spark - 3/5/2010
In this week’s Spark, March 5th, 2010 SPRC/AFSP adds “Towards Good Practice: Standards and Guidelines for Suicide bereavement Support groups to”, the Best Practice registry. These Standards come from Lifeline Australia’s. From what I have read so far MASP would wholly concur. Especially when it recognizes the need for professional co-facilitators, MASP has long promoted this position. Survivors of suicide (those left behind after a suicide) are often at risk of another suicide occurring within their circle of contacts. The trauma of suicide is unlike other deaths, not only because of the stigma, but also because of all the other issues it raises. These standards if practiced can only lead to better support for family and friends of loved ones lost to suicide. We will need to support these standards but also see they are decimated to support groups all over the state quickly.
SPRC will be making presentations at AAS 43rd annual conference this year, April 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. SPRC has been growing in the suicide prevention community since its merger with SPANUSA offering a much larger array of programs, rather than its primary focus on research. This is consistent with than Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher’s quote, “Now is the time to bridge the gap between what we know about suicide and what we are doing about suicide.”
SAMHSA announced a new Ad campaign in Mental Health for the African American community; these PSA’s were developed with the Ad Council and the stay strong foundation, this was done in February, Black History Month to help raise awareness among young adults in the Black colleges and Universities.
There are several more articles of interest to all including a research summary on Thoughts of death and suicide in early adolescence. Please visit this week’s Spark at SPRC for more detail and additional information.
Before I close this post I wanted to thank all of those that attended MASP’s silver anniversary. Along with Dr.’s Cheryl King and Alton Kirk, and Judi Rosen-Davis for their comments and presentations, the executive board of MASP for assisting with the handouts and Don and Judi Davis for allowing us into their beautiful home. Last but not least a mention to Marty’s Cookies and Bagel Bakery for their catering.
This event was another milestone to send MASP well on the way to its next 25 years of service to Michigan’s survivor community and the public-at-large.
Stay safe, stay connected Larry Lewis,
SPRC will be making presentations at AAS 43rd annual conference this year, April 21-24 in Orlando, Florida. SPRC has been growing in the suicide prevention community since its merger with SPANUSA offering a much larger array of programs, rather than its primary focus on research. This is consistent with than Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher’s quote, “Now is the time to bridge the gap between what we know about suicide and what we are doing about suicide.”
SAMHSA announced a new Ad campaign in Mental Health for the African American community; these PSA’s were developed with the Ad Council and the stay strong foundation, this was done in February, Black History Month to help raise awareness among young adults in the Black colleges and Universities.
There are several more articles of interest to all including a research summary on Thoughts of death and suicide in early adolescence. Please visit this week’s Spark at SPRC for more detail and additional information.
Before I close this post I wanted to thank all of those that attended MASP’s silver anniversary. Along with Dr.’s Cheryl King and Alton Kirk, and Judi Rosen-Davis for their comments and presentations, the executive board of MASP for assisting with the handouts and Don and Judi Davis for allowing us into their beautiful home. Last but not least a mention to Marty’s Cookies and Bagel Bakery for their catering.
This event was another milestone to send MASP well on the way to its next 25 years of service to Michigan’s survivor community and the public-at-large.
Stay safe, stay connected Larry Lewis,
Weekly Spark - 2/18/2010
This week’s Spark has some good articles. One research summary show troops are more likely to report mental health disorders anonymously than in regular military health assessments. I would say that would be a safe bet for the general population also. Who would (say in a job or performance interview) that you are experiencing several mental health issues? I think this catch 22 has always been the elephant in the room so to speak. We have seen where universities have encouraged students that might be having thoughts of suicide to seek professional help, than when they go to sign up for classes require a letter from their psychiatrists that they no longer have any mental health issues.
Also a new version of the DSM for identifying mental health diagnostic disorders is up for review. The VA is upgrading care for female vets. What with more women in combat and direct support positions this is much needed. Lifeline is announcing a new program called “Life is precious,” for young Latinas, with increasing rates of suicide especially for teenage girls this program is very timely. Please visit SPRC’s web site for more information on these programs.
This one is for researchers and post doctoral applicants that might be interested in research on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. $250,000 for up to three year this would help to erase some of the debt incurred in getting that degree. Deadline is March 15th, 2010 so pass this on quickly.
Remember stay safe, stay connected
Larry Lewis
Also a new version of the DSM for identifying mental health diagnostic disorders is up for review. The VA is upgrading care for female vets. What with more women in combat and direct support positions this is much needed. Lifeline is announcing a new program called “Life is precious,” for young Latinas, with increasing rates of suicide especially for teenage girls this program is very timely. Please visit SPRC’s web site for more information on these programs.
This one is for researchers and post doctoral applicants that might be interested in research on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. $250,000 for up to three year this would help to erase some of the debt incurred in getting that degree. Deadline is March 15th, 2010 so pass this on quickly.
Remember stay safe, stay connected
Larry Lewis
Weekly Spark - 2/4/2010
A research summary: Points out the correlation between the reduction of psychiatric hospital beds and a projected increase in the number of suicides. I wonder if we can find a similar increase in the number of suicides in correctional settings? Michigan since the late seventies has closed almost all of the psychiatric hospitals, leaving the few left to be overcrowded and understaffed. Communities were supposed to offer half way housing and other services for the mentally Ill, but these were slow materialize.
Another article shows Emergency physicians in a study researching suicide prevention and detection. One of our own here in Michigan, Michael Swank has been working closely with the E.R. in the Bay-Arenac area. This should show promise, especially in getting data and providing services with attempters. These studies could really provide a break-through in reducing the numbers and treating early.
There are more information on this administrations rules and regulations in parity. Also some interesting international news, Japan’s Buddhist community is starting a hot line, and efforts are being discussed to provide mental health services in Haiti, last but not least a new report on services for suicide prevention in senior living communities.
We are getting ready for our Silver Anniversary and have a scheduled meeting next Saturday in Livonia, hope to see you there!
Stay warm, stay safe and stay connected
Larry Lewis
Another article shows Emergency physicians in a study researching suicide prevention and detection. One of our own here in Michigan, Michael Swank has been working closely with the E.R. in the Bay-Arenac area. This should show promise, especially in getting data and providing services with attempters. These studies could really provide a break-through in reducing the numbers and treating early.
There are more information on this administrations rules and regulations in parity. Also some interesting international news, Japan’s Buddhist community is starting a hot line, and efforts are being discussed to provide mental health services in Haiti, last but not least a new report on services for suicide prevention in senior living communities.
We are getting ready for our Silver Anniversary and have a scheduled meeting next Saturday in Livonia, hope to see you there!
Stay warm, stay safe and stay connected
Larry Lewis
Weekly Spark - 1/20/2010
This Weekly Spark carried more news about increased suicides among our military personal in all branches especially among young men ages 18 – 29. Also the rate among female solders has also risen. These trends are reflected in our general population.
Another article on a support group for young people in Maryland does not mention the type of group leadership. I hope there is at least one professional to give guidance and able to spot at-risk individuals. We at MASP feel strongly that SOS supports groups are extremely helpful to individuals that are survivors of loss to suicide; however they must have some professional training.
The question “Can railway suicides be cut?”: The UK is trying to find out. There was a similar effort here in the U.S. A study was done by AAS, interviewing family and friends of individuals that had died by railroad suicide.
A couple of grant opportunities are mentioned. I encourage any of you that are looking for resources to collaborate with others and apply. Michigan needs all the help we can get. SPRC is the place to go to for help. Katie Wootten is our rep. for Michigan, she can be reached at 202 572-3722 or email her at kwootten@edc.org. She would be glad to help.
Remember stay safe stay connected
Larry Lewis
Another article on a support group for young people in Maryland does not mention the type of group leadership. I hope there is at least one professional to give guidance and able to spot at-risk individuals. We at MASP feel strongly that SOS supports groups are extremely helpful to individuals that are survivors of loss to suicide; however they must have some professional training.
The question “Can railway suicides be cut?”: The UK is trying to find out. There was a similar effort here in the U.S. A study was done by AAS, interviewing family and friends of individuals that had died by railroad suicide.
A couple of grant opportunities are mentioned. I encourage any of you that are looking for resources to collaborate with others and apply. Michigan needs all the help we can get. SPRC is the place to go to for help. Katie Wootten is our rep. for Michigan, she can be reached at 202 572-3722 or email her at kwootten@edc.org. She would be glad to help.
Remember stay safe stay connected
Larry Lewis
Weekly Spark - 1/13/2010
This FYI is those of you that do not get the Spark directly:
In this week's Spark, there was an interesting article on PSA's, which shows that the PSA needs to audience-specific.
SAMHSA adds Lifelines to its Best Practice registry. This program is geared to middle and high schools, training staff to recognize students that might be at-risk.
Another article continues to points out the increased risk of suicide among young war veterans. This shows the need to bridge the gap between the VA and National Guard programs, and Community Mental Health agencies.
There are more grant opportunities from SAMHSA. I strongly encourage you and your agencies to collaborate in taking advantage of these opportunities. Michigan needs all the help they can get!
There is also a study (MMPI) from San Diego State College comparing 1938 and 2007 young people and levels of stress. Stay safe, stay connected!
Larry Lewis
In this week's Spark, there was an interesting article on PSA's, which shows that the PSA needs to audience-specific.
SAMHSA adds Lifelines to its Best Practice registry. This program is geared to middle and high schools, training staff to recognize students that might be at-risk.
Another article continues to points out the increased risk of suicide among young war veterans. This shows the need to bridge the gap between the VA and National Guard programs, and Community Mental Health agencies.
There are more grant opportunities from SAMHSA. I strongly encourage you and your agencies to collaborate in taking advantage of these opportunities. Michigan needs all the help they can get!
There is also a study (MMPI) from San Diego State College comparing 1938 and 2007 young people and levels of stress. Stay safe, stay connected!
Larry Lewis
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