Connections Health Solutions’ Post

🛑***TRIGGER WARNING***🛑 Imagine this: It's 8:30pm on a Thursday, and you just finished with your class seminar. You leave for the gym and you call your friend to catch up. All seems well. You turn the corner on 60th Street off of 9th Avenue (in NYC), and about 50' from the gym door you hear a loud sound... glass is falling on you from above. You turn and run to take shelter, not knowing what happened. When you peer back around the corner to see, that is when you see body laying still on the ground. Now what if I told you, one year ago today, I witnessed 17-year-old, Noah Legaspi, fall to his death at 9:02pm. Covered in fragments of glass and spots of blood, I mentally spiraled when it all set in. At work the next day, I could not focus, my mind would wander to seeing the portion of body laying on the ground. A colleague saw me crying and encouraged me to go home, since very few people were in office that day. From the 17-year-old's story (which can be found below) to the mental stress endured from this traumatic experience, it emphasizes the importance of 3️⃣ items. 1️⃣ It is ok to not be ok... take your mental health seriously and talk to someone. Therapists/Psychologists/Psychiatrists are here to help you, not judge or ridicule you. 2️⃣ Work is not your life, prioritize yourself and your emotional/mental/physical health. 3️⃣ If you experience something traumatic or your mental health starts to decline, talk to your HR Representative about workplace accommodations. They will know what options are available to you to ensure you have the necessary time/resources to focus on recovery. As a reminder: 📞(NYC): If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts and ideations and you reside in NYC, dial 1-888-NYC-WELL (692-9355) for free and confidential crisis counseling. 📞(Non-NYC): If you live outside the NYC, dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to https://lnkd.in/gx4NujEu. Article: Noah Legaspi, 17, identified as victim who leapt from ...Daily Mail https://lnkd.in/gw6FVPhn #GetInvolved #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #CrisisCounseling #WorkplaceAccommodations #BetterHelp #SuicidePreventionHotline #SaveALife #NCYWell #AFSP #NIMH #SAVE #JEDFoundation #TrevorProject #SPTS #CrisisTextLine #SpeakUp

For many facing mental health emergencies, knowing where to turn can be daunting. A new service, Parkview's SOS Program, provides a mobile crisis team, for expert intervention where and when it's needed most. #mentalhealth #crisisintervention #mentalhealthcare

🧠Suicide Prevention Day is an important reminder to raise awareness about mental health and the steps we can take to prevent a crisis. In my latest blog for MARY FRANCES TRUST, I explore how individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can take steps to safeguard their well-being. I also highlight the new Safe Harbour service, which offers compassionate support to those in distress. This new service is a key resource for suicide prevention, providing care and support for those who need a safe space and someone to talk to. In the blog, I share practical tips on managing overwhelming feelings and reaching out for support when it’s most needed. 🌍  On World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s spread the message that help is available, hope is real, and that no one has to face their struggles alone. You can read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/euvKDs-T #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthCrisis #SafeHarbour #MaryFrancesTrust #Wellbeing

Curious about how states are revolutionizing crisis services with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline? In this blog, we explore innovative state-led initiatives in Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Georgia, where new contracts are expanding crisis intervention systems to meet unique local needs. From enhanced call centers to comprehensive mental health support, learn how states are taking bold steps to provide timely and effective help to those in crisis. Read on to discover how these programs are shaping the future of mental health crisis services across the U.S.! Full article can be found below: https://lnkd.in/eM3ZeD8W #theCSBisMeIDD #theCSBisMe

How Edmond is building a stronger mental health crisis response system https://bit.ly/3Y84CZz

How Edmond is building a stronger mental health crisis response system https://bit.ly/3Y84CZz

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In a recent survey, more than 1 in 3 EMTs have reported considering suicide and 6.6% report having attempted. EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to commit suicide than the public. We know there is a problem and we are doing everything we can to address it within our ranks. At Peach County, we conduct routine post incident debriefing in which we review what went right, what went wrong and allows us to look for warning signs that someone might not be okay. We also participate with Georgia State Police’s Peer Support Program and occasionally, for those instances where we recognize that someone needs it, will bring in a team to conduct a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing to help us work through the emotions surrounding those incredibly stressful and emotionally painful calls. The job is just part of it. Our folks are real people with real problems so we have partnered with the Command Wellness app and encourage our paramedics and EMTs to conduct routine self assessments for matters relating to burnout, post traumatic stress disorder, financial wellness, substance use and misuse. What we have found is that so often, when we’re in the weeds, we don’t know it. If they answer the surveys honestly, it might reveal something that they didn’t know was lingering and the app will direct them into one of our many management programs to assist them with it. Furthermore, it gives our leadership team a pulse on the health of our organization and allows us to trend it over time and make changes as needed. If we had had this ability during the COVID years, we likely would have seen spikes in burnout, depression, and other mental health problems and it would have allowed us to make data driven changes to address the problem. We would like to thank the State of Georgia for the recent passing of the Ashley Wilson Bill which provides compensation and time off to manage stress following a difficult incident. However this is just the beginning as stress often doesn’t stem from just one incident, but is cumulative and may show up years after the experience. There is more to be done and we intend to continue to do what we can, and push for strengthening of other initiatives where we can.

We can all help prevent suicide. This month marks two years since our nation launched 988, the easy-to-remember, nationwide mental health crisis helpline. Since launch, 988 has received over 8 million calls from people in distress seeking support when they need it most. 988 is confidential, effective and available to everyone via phone, text or chat. America has a lifeline. Spread the word: Help is available. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): • 988 callers connect quickly with trained crisis counselors. • Crises are typically de-escalated. Less than 2% of 988 calls require response from emergency services. Many callers report that their call prevented them from taking their life. • People feel better after calling. Numerous studies of 988 calls have shown that the majority of callers were significantly more likely to feel less depressed and more hopeful after speaking with a crisis counselor. • 34% of 988 calls are about mental health concerns other than suicide. Don’t wait. We are listening. If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need by calling 988 or seeking help at a licensed behavioral health facility. As a behavioral healthcare provider here in Texoma, our team at TMC Behavioral Health Center is dedicated to supporting individuals in a manner that promotes hope, resiliency, connectedness and recovery. We are proud to partner with the local 988 network and are a resource for individuals needing help.

With suicide rates on the rise, it’s crucial for businesses to be prepared. Do you have a suicide postvention protocol in place? If not, it’s time to start thinking about it. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about caring for your people. Let’s break the stigma and prioritise mental health in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/gJ49sihe #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #workplacewellness #leadership

Suicide prevention begins with reexamining how we cope with life's challenges. Learn more about strengthening coping skills and supporting mental health in this insightful article. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Veteran/Military Crisis Line for immediate assistance. Dial 988; then press 1. #Suicidprevention #Mentalhealth