Ndinewe Foundation’s Post

In the past 24 hours, I’ve seen many posts about suicide prevention. It is great to see people opening up and sharing their experiences. The main message I see is to ask others if they’re okay. I am not sure how possible it is to ask or answer this question, especially for those on both sides who seem strong but are struggling silently. Disregarding your ability to ask the question or answer it, I encourage everyone to practice kindness and try to make work a little more fun. Both kindness and fun are powerful and often overlooked. Sometimes it is not easy to be kind when a client deadline is pressing, or to make a joke when you want to cry or are extremely stressed. However, being kind can help prevent burnout and depression, and sometimes, a single kind word or joke can make a big difference in someone’s life, potentially saving them from suicidal thoughts or actions. My message is: do what you can, when you can. It does not have to be big and heroic; it just has to be mindful, as we truly will never know what others are going through, just as they will never know what we are going through. #mentalhealth #suicideprevention

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we had a talk about the tough stuff - the factors that can lead to suicide and how those thoughts can creep in when we're struggling with substance use. We broke down the phases of suicidal thinking and how it can progress if we don't reach out for help. But here's the thing: we can make a difference just by being there for each other. By knowing the signs and symptoms, we can support those who are struggling in silence. So, what are the warning signs? - Talking about wanting to die or being a burden to others - Withdrawal from friends and family - Mood swings, irritability, or sudden calmness - Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed - Changes in sleep or appetite - Giving away possessions or making a will - Saying goodbye or expressing hopelessness If someone you know is showing these signs, don't hesitate to reach out and listen without judgment. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to hear them out and offer support. So, we ended our session with a simple yet powerful exercise: writing words of hope and encouragement to someone who might be struggling. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little reminder that we're not alone, and that things can get better. #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #SubstanceUseAwareness #SupportEachOther #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthSupport #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #positivity

Trigger Warning: The following includes how to support someone who is feeling suicidal. Evidence shows that asking someone if they're suicidal decreases the likelihood of them taking their own life. By asking someone directly about suicide, you allow them to tell you how they feel, let them know that they are not a burden and that support is out there. We all have the power to start the conversation, no matter how daunting it may seem. As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), discover how to spot the signs that someone is experiencing stress, depression or anxiety, and how to support them: https://lnkd.in/eGGkzKnM Find out more about World Suicide Prevention Day, and download a free poster and resource pack: https://bit.ly/WSPD24sm If you need them for yourself, or to signpost a friend, colleague or family member, a list of support services can be found: https://bit.ly/MinMhelp #mentalhealthmatters #wellbeing #WSPD

This communication technique quickly breaks the cycle of repetitive stressful situations we have with our children, spouses, parents, siblings, and even co-workers. I’m going to share 5 sentences that disengage overwhelming anger, sadness, and anxiety by disarming the other person’s defenses. The next time you’re about to get sucked into an back and forth emotional entanglement with a loved one: DON’T: - defend yourself, - advise, - analyze, or - criticize. JUST SAY THESE 5 SENTENCES: 1. Please tell me more. 2. I want to hear everything. 3. What’s the hardest part to talk about? 4. Oh my gosh, what does that feel like? 5. I am here for you, is there anything else you want to say? As the other persons responds to these 5 sentences you will become triggered because they may blame you and your ego is going to want to defend itself, but you’re going to stay silent, truly listen, and when they are done talking just say the next sentence on the list. To reduce your own stress during this process touch the tension in your body, breathe deeply and slowly into the tightness, and you will release your stress. This will empower you to stay present and compassionate throughout the process. These 5 sentences are part of our suicide prevention training and participants across all cohorts use these sentences with their family and on the job. If you found this video helpful follow @Stressisgone on IG for many more just like it. #mentalhealth #relationshipstress #stressisgone

Suicide is the number 1 killer of men under 45. That is more than car accidents, more than heart attacks and more than cancer. Not only is suicide devastating on an individual level, it is something that impacts us all, as each death by suicide is estimated to affect at least 20 lives. Each death by suicide is potentially preventable and knowing how to support someone who opens up about experiencing suicidal thoughts needs to be viewed with the same importance as knowledge of CPR and other life-saving strategies. In learning to spot the signs, to have those crucial but often difficult conversations and to support one another, we can make a difference.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of suicide, it's crucial to remember that you're not alone. Here are some steps you can take to help navigate these challenging feelings: ✅Talk About It: Open up to someone you trust, maybe a friend, or a family member. Sharing your feelings can relieve some of the burden and help you feel less isolated. ✅Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to seek professional support. Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate through your pain and find healthier coping mechanisms. ✅Create a Safety Plan: Develop a plan that includes coping strategies, emergency contacts, and resources. This can provide a sense of control during crises. ✅Stay Connected: Engage with supportive friends and family. Building a network of care can remind you that you are valued and loved. ✅Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize activities that bring you joy, can lead to significant improvements in your mood. ✅Remember Your Reasons to Live: Reflect on what matters to you—your passions, loved ones, and dreams. Focusing on these can help shift your perspective. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You can reach out to us at +254718047611 if you need someone to listen to you. #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness

Is It Okay to Ask Someone If They Are Suicidal? "Sun rise at the beach! It reminds you of the day full of possibilities and opportunities. But not everyone has the same perspective about their day. Is it okay to ask someone if they are suicidal? Discussing suicidal thoughts can feel taboo, but having these open conversations helps normalize these feelings. By asking, you’re creating a space where someone can express themselves without fear of judgment." "When you ask someone if they’re feeling suicidal, it shows you genuinely care about their well-being. It’s a way to let them know you’re there for them. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is willing to talk can be a lifeline. Your inquiry might encourage them to seek professional help. Hit the subscribe button and get notification when I post the next videos in which I will talk about strategies for actually having the conversation with someone about their potential suicidal thoughts. I’ll also post a video about the myths surrounding suicide and suicide prevention. "And remember, if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. They’re available 24/7 to provide support and guidance." "Thank you for watching, and let’s continue to support one another." #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #ItsOkayToAsk #YouAreNotAlone #988Lifeline #CheckInOnYourFriends #AskAboutSuicide #MentalHealthMatters #chapternextreset #freshperspective #drfayehargrove

Suicide can be prevented. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and tomorrow, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day—a day meant to raise awareness about suicidal behaviors and spark commitment and action to prevent suicides around the globe. In observation of this important day, I've put together a list of my top 5 picks of books on the market today about suicide prevention and depression, in the hopes that these books might help you or someone you know: - The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook: CBT Skills to Reduce Emotional Pain, Increase Hope, and Prevent Suicide, by Katie Gordon, Ph.D, LP - How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention, by Susan Blauner, MSW - Saving Ourselves from Suicide - Before and After: How to Ask for Help, Recognize Warning Signs, and Navigate Grief, by Linda Pacha - But I Didn’t Say Goodbye: Helping Families After a Suicide, by Barbara Rubel, Compassion Fatigue Speaker - Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression, by Zack Eswine Each week of September, I'll be sharing more of my top picks and must-reads from a variety of categories, so stay tuned. #MentalHealthAwareness #Depression #SuicideAwareness #Selfhelp

It's National Suicide Prevention Month. As organizations continue to make decisions that impact people's ability to support their families, I hope that everyone remembers that they are dealing with human beings. Humans that may be struggling with severe depression. Humans that may be dealing with so much that they feel overwhelmed. Humans that feel like their anxiety will swallow them whole. They won't always look like it. They will likely smile every day. They will likely make jokes and have lunch with their coworkers and laugh. But inside, they will feel hollow. They will feel like something inside of them is empty. They will wonder at the value of their own existence. They will struggle to get out of bed and make it to work so they can put on their mask. Take time to get to know your people. Let them know you are available. Share resources with your teams. You never know what someone is hiding. Help someone from losing their battle with mental illness. Always remember to take a pause. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, I can’t help but wonder: are we really making a conscious effort to address this pressing issue, or are we simply keeping up with a 'trend'? Too often, organizations and institutions host a few workshops or webinars once a year to appear concerned, but is that enough? To create real change, we need ongoing conversations. We need to normalize talking about suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles, without judgment or stigma. Too many people who feel suicidal don’t want to die – they just want the pain, the situation, or the overwhelming feelings they’re experiencing to stop. Yet, as a society, we often respond with shame and blame, when what’s really needed is empathy. Experiencing suicidal thoughts can be complex, and the reasons are many – It can stem from childhood trauma, poverty, isolation, or a multitude of other factors. As a community, we need to educate ourselves, engage in compassionate dialogue, and be ready to support those around us who might be struggling. To organizations and institutions, let this month be more than just a calendar event. Make your environment a safe space for individuals to talk openly and seek help when they need it, all year round. The real work lies in creating systems and communities where no one feels like they’re facing their struggles alone. Let’s start the conversation, and let's keep it going. #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #Empathy #CommunitySupport #SafeSpaces