Tag Archives: Suicide Prevention

Native American Heritage Month: The Power of Visibility

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This November, the Office of Diversity and Equity celebrates Native American Heritage Month (NAHM).

With Thanksgiving, a holiday known to be controversial for Native American history, just around the corner, visibility of Native Americans during this month is particularly important. NAHM recognizes the contributions that native peoples have made for our community. It is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of our local tribes and also educate ourselves about the challenges Native people have faced and currently face, including health disparities.

Native Americans face a large number of behavioral health challenges, including suicide risk. Across all ages, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/ AN) populations in the U.S. experience high risk for suicide, with an overall suicide rate of 11.7 individuals per 100,000. This rate is greater than that for all other subgroups except white males, who have a suicide rate of 23.4 individuals per 100,000. Source

The existence of Native American Heritage Month alone does not have the capability to improve the lives or health outcomes of Native Americans living in San Mateo County. We as individuals and as a community must make an active effort to celebrate Native American achievements and educate ourselves about current challenges to make the month meaningful.
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What does “Sana, Sana Colita de Rana” mean for the Latino community?

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For the last 5 years the Office of Diversity and Equity’s Latino Collaborative has put together the Annual Latino Health Forum, “Sana, Sana Colita de Rana” to provide an opportunity for Latino families to come together to learn strategies for emotional and physical well-being.

But what does the phrase “Sana, Sana Colita de Rana” mean?

When translated literally it means “heal, heal, little frog’s tail.” This expression is commonly used in many Latino communities to offer consolation when one, specifically a child, has fallen or gotten hurt. The phrase continues with “if you don’t heal today, you will heal tomorrow.” At its core this message is meant to offer relentless encouragement, that while we may be suffering today, things will get better tomorrow. 

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Mental Health Services Act Prevention and Early Intervention Task Force

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Starting this Friday, October 27th, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) will be convening a Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Task Force to develop strategies to better serve the behavioral health care needs of individuals ages 0-25.

The last PEI Task Force was assembled in 2006 prior to the disbursement of MHSA funding. Since then, learning and best practices have emerged; context and environment have shifted. For three 2-hour meetings, this special time-limited task force is intended to make recommendations for prevention and early intervention priorities and programming for children, youth and transition age youth in San Mateo County as part of the MHSA Three-Year Plan.

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1-800-273-8255

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fdcd930d5170419e978927d110bc6f5e.1000x1000x1This week, October 1st through October 7th, is Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during this week provides a dedicated time for mental health allies and advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice.

This year during MTV’s Video Music Awards, rapper Logic released the video for his new song titled 1-800-273-8255. The song brought up the topic of suicidal ideation: the feeling of not wanting to live and feelings of hopelessness. The video portrays a black high school student struggling to cope with his father’s reaction to his sexuality and the loneliness of abruptly losing a safe haven. Watch the video here.

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Thank You For Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month!

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SPRoadMapThank you for recognizing Suicide Prevention Month! We want to recognize suicide survivors and their families for their resilience, our partners for working with the County to prevent suicide, and community members for bringing this challenging but important conversation to your loved ones.

We encourage you to #Bethe1to recognize suicide prevention in September and year round! You can learn more in depth how suicide affects San Mateo County and what we can do to solve the problem by checking out San Mateo County’s first Suicide Prevention Roadmap. #SMCPrevention

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Challenging The Stigma That Mental Health Disorders Are “Unmanly”

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therapyBetween 2010-2015, males comprised 73.8% of suicides reported in San Mateo County. While men aged 25 to 54 years old account for the largest number of suicide deaths in the U.S., they are also the least likely to seek any kind of support or treatment.


Check out ManTherapy.org which was created by men and for men (and their loved ones) to combat the problematic idea that mental health disorders are unmanly signs of weakness, and to share mental health information with the men in your life. #BeThe1To reach out and support the men in your life. #SMCPrevention. 

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Reducing the Risk of Suicide in Older Adults

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olderadultsWhen most people think about suicide, young people come to mind. What many people do not know is that suicide rates are higher among older adults than any other age group. Physical and social challenges related to aging can increase the risk of depression, anxiety and isolation, but help is available for coping with these challenges. #BeThe1To support the older adults in your life and share the Institute of Aging 24/7 Friendship Line at 1-800-971-0016.  #SMCPrevention

To gain more in depth knowledge on how to prevent suicides among an older adult, you can attend the Suicide Prevention in Older Adults training on Friday, September 29 9:30-11:30am at 350 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood Shores. Register by 9/25 at www.smcolderadultsuicideprevention.eventbrite.com.

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Help Veterans In Crisis

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veteran affairs#BeThe1To remind the #Veterans and #Servicemembers in your life that you support them. 1 small act can make a big difference for those in crisis. Learn more how to support a veteran in crisis by attending the Department of Veteran Affairs Suicide Prevention Training on Friday, September 22 10-11:30am at 225 37th Avenue, San Mateo. Register by 9/18 at www.vasuicideprevention.eventbrite.com. #SMCPrevention

If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, call the 1-800-273-8255. For veterans, press 1.

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Pride Center’s Suicide Prevention Month Events

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pridecenterThe risk of suicide is high among the LGBTQ+ community. For example, the rate of suicide attempts is 4 times greater for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth and 2 times greater for questioning youth than that of straight youth.

San Mateo County Pride Center is here to help the LGBTQ+ individuals with clinical and community resources. #BeThe1To attend or share the Suicide Prevention Month events happening at the Pride Center.   #SMCPrevention

If you know a LGBTQ+ youth facing a mental health crisis, call The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386), Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860) or Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
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Showing Support for Survivors of Suicide

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Tomorrow, November 19th, National Survivors of Suicide Day will be observed in the United States.  These days of mental health observance create a societal shift from mental illness and suicide stigma towards a platform of awareness about the incidence of mental illness and ways to aid its prevention.  However, as important as it is to focus attention on educating the masses on how to “Know the Signs,” or to understand the importance behind the tagline “Pain Isn’t Always Obvious,” it is also essential for us to show our support for the friends and family of people who have attempted or completed suicide.

Let’s spread the word about resources and events in the Bay Area that are ready to support you or someone you may know on National Survivors of Suicide Day. Remember, however you choose to participate on November 19th, the strength of love and comfort is found in communal unity.

 

Local Events:

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)– Greater San Francisco organized gathering all over Northern California to offer support and practice healing as a community. Additionally, the AFSP documentary, Life Journeys: Reclaiming Life after Loss, will be shown and additional programming is specific to each event and may include presentations by loss survivors and mental health professionals, as well as small group discussions that bring together people who have experienced similar losses.

All events will be held on November 19th, 2016.

Time: 8:30 – 11:30am

Eureka, CA:

St. Joseph Hospital, Conference Center 1
2700 Dolbeer Street
Eureka, California  95501

 Time: 9am – 11:30am

Fremont, CA:

Ohlone College, Building 7
43600 Mission Boulevard
Fremont, California  94587

 Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Livermore, CA:

Hope Hospice, Inc., Suite 100
6377 Clark Avenue
Dublin, California  94568

 Time: 9am – 12pm

Palo Alto, CA:

CHC
650 Clark Way
Palo Alto, California  94304
Time: 10am – 2pm

Seaside, CA:

Veterans Administration Monterey Outpatient Clinic
3401 Engineer Lane
Seaside, California  93955

 Time: 9am – 12pm

San Francisco, CA:

UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute
401 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, California  94143

 Time: 11am – 3pm

Santa Rosa, CA:

Sonoma County YMCA

1111 College Ave
nue

Santa Rosa, California  95124

 Time: 9am – 12pm:

Walnut Creek, CA:

John Muir Health
TBD
Walnut Creek, California  94596

Resources:

  • Helping others or yourself recover from losing a loved one as they grieve can be a difficult process – especially if unsure of what to say or do. Friends For Survival, Inc. offers an amazing way to remember the keys to help the healing process, called the Six T’s: Time, Tears, Talk, Touch, Trust, and Toil.
  • To find local grief support groups, please visit the American Association of Suicidiology to search for opportunities for self-help or supporting others. Additionally, if you know a child or teen who is grieving, please visit Children’s Grief Awareness Day, which is on November 17th, to learn how to their grief-recovery.

 

Article by Chenece Blackshear, Intern with the Office of Diversity and Equity

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