Focusing on Hope

Hope, Help and Healing. The Three H’s refer to the three phases of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention; the before, during, and after of a suicide thought, attempt, or death.

We tend to react to negative things happening around us, by fixing the issue, or providing a solution to the problem, after the fact. But, by training ourselves to focus on hope and prevention we learn to recognize the signs, to communicate effectively, to empathise and to instill a sense of hope in people. The Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division (CMHANS) focuses its strategies on suicide prevention and offers several programs to train people in prevention strategies.

The Communities Addressing Suicide Together (CAST) Program, is working with communities to provide prevention programming such as SafeTalk, and Listening to One Another and intervention programs like ASIST. CAST also provides an extensive resource HUB on their website, that grows regularly as additional resources are added.

World Suicide Prevention Day September 10, 2018

On Monday, September 10, 2018, Canada focuses its eyes on the ways we can help prevent suicide through increasing awareness, promoting hope and resiliency, and starting conversations.

Every level of society, every part of our community is affected by suicide. As such, suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and by working together prevention is possible. Learning to manage the challenges that life can sometimes throw your way.

Steps You Can Take to Manage Challenges to Overcome Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings

(Department of Veterans Affairs, August 15, 2018)

  • Manage Your Risk and Vulnerabilities –To avoid the impulsive actions that suicidal thoughts can create, remove all firearms, medications, and household poisons. A support person, such as a family member can keep them safe.
    Build up Inner Sources of Strength – Increase resilience, motivate yourself towards healthier living, improve your coping skills (see below).
  • Recognize Your Warning Signs – The most dangerous signs are thoughts of suicide, but other behaviours can also indicate that there is more cause for concern: increased substance abuse, feeling hopeless, feeling no sense of purpose, avoiding family and friends, feeling anxious or irritable, sudden mood changes, guilt or shame.
  • Engage in Treatment – There are many treatment options available today. Different types of treatments work for different types of people. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of therapy. The first therapist you see may not be the right one for you. Engage with the therapist(s) to find the best course of treatment.
  • Keep Crisis Numbers Handy and Plan to Use Them When Needed – Call 911. First responders are trained to assist individuals in a suicidal crisis, as well as those who may be affected by a suicide death or attempt. Call the Help Line: In Nova Scotia (902) 429-8167 or toll free 1(888)429-8167, in Cape Breton call 902-565-7976.
Use Effective Coping Strategies

Weak coping strategies can have negative impacts on your path to healing and health. Improving your coping skills with professional guidance can help you to better meet life’s challenges, improve your outlook and decrease your risk of suicide.

Coping skills include:

  • Anger management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Stress and anxiety management
  • Financial planning
  • Career guidance
  • Assertiveness
  • Relationship building
  • Relaxation
  • Self-care
  • Communication
  • Mindfulness (present in the moment)

If you need more help contact a community organization like the Canadian Mental Health Association, or the Mental Wellness Teams with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and Union of Nova Scotia Indians to learn more about support and resources in your area.

Tammy Morris-Williams, Program Lead
Communities Addressing Suicide Together (CAST)
Canadian Mental Health Association NS Division
(902) 466-6600 ext. 207
cmhans-cast@novascotia.cmha.ca
https://novascotia.cmha.ca/cast-program/
@CASTNovaScotia

Tags: