September 7, 2014
Sally Spencer-Thomas
For the past
two weeks I have had the immense privilege of traveling internationally to
participate in some of the most exciting global suicide prevention initiatives
of the year. The events have left me humbled, inspired and feeling deeply connected
to something big and important. First, I attended the 15th European
Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior (ESSSB15) in Tallinn, Estonia and
then I had the tremendous honor of being invited to the World Health
Organization’s launch of the World Suicide Report in Geneva, Switzerland. Both
of these experiences have left me with the tangible impression of “one world
connected” – the theme of this year’s National Suicide Prevention Week
(9/8-9/14, 2014) and World Suicide Prevention Day (9/10/14).
The theme of
connection is potent. When it comes to suicide prevention, having a strong
sense of community and belonging is one of the most powerful protective factors
against suicide. When people feel connected to something larger than
themselves, they are often able to weather life’s hardships much better than
those who feel isolated or who believe that they have become a burden to those
who love them. This sense of connection happens between individuals; it also
occurs in the global community.
In fact,
connection, inclusion and collaboration were themes that emerged from both
meetings from the highest levels of our world’s mental health leaders. From
ESSSB15 we heard loud and clear the need to “bring the first person into our
research” because we had lots of study about the “suicidal mind” but little
understanding. Leaders called to action: bridge the communication gap between
researchers and people with lived experience and to acknowledge the importance
of compassion and empathy, dialogue and partnership. We need to get beyond
studying suicidal behavior and find positive outcomes of change. As Jerry Reed,
the Director of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, said, “We talk a lot
about deaths, but we need to talk about hope and recovery.”
Equally
emphasized was the message of new and needed voices in the work of suicide
prevention. Many talked about the role of making suicide prevention a central
focus of health care; about the priority to engage parents and educators and to
involve those that support our unemployed and underemployed.
At the World
Health Organization’s two-day meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, Shahkar Saxena,
Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse of WHO made clear his call to
action from opening remarks to the 100+ delegates from over 30 countries, when
he talked about the purpose of the meeting: implementing an action plan through
collaboration, “One World Connected.”
For a copy of
the First World Suicide Report: http://www.who.int/mental_health/suicide-prevention/en/
Lifting up
the voices of lived experience was also a priority of this ceremonial launch of
the World Suicide Report. The day began with powerful testimonies from both a
suicide attempt survivor from the UK and a suicide loss survivor from Kenya. Both
attributed the power of compassion as the critical element to what helped them
survive their dark times.
Dr. Danuta
Wasserman from Sweden, the current President of the European Psychiatric
Association said, “We must listen to the voices of lived experience because
they challenge what we think we know.”
Dr. Kathleen
Lynch, Minister of State for Primary and Social Care in Ireland reiterated the
“One World” theme when she said, “This is not about the other. It’s about us.
We need systems of kindness.”
Finally,
Michelle Funk, Director of Mental Health Policy for WHO underscored the
importance of human rights and social justice as we move into the next chapter
of the suicide prevention movement. She facilitated an important conversation
about strengthening leadership and governance in the movement to build capacity
and improve sustainability in our efforts. Together the international partners attending
committed to improving opportunities for peer support and practical recovery
models. Still, in 25 countries, suicidal behavior remains criminalized and many
countries, including the US still use coercion, seclusion and restraints as a
method of “treatment.” Clearly, we have much work ahead of us.
Perhaps the most
moving part of the whole 10-day experience was the presentation Matthew
Johnstone, founder, illustrator and source of inspiration for the viral
campaign called, “I had a black dog, his name is depression.”
Matthew
illustrated the images, which became both a book and a viral video now reaching
almost 4,000,000 people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc
He talked
about the power of illustration to demonstrate experiences that are often
beyond words. Experiences of despair and hopelessness, but also experiences of
connection and recovery are depicted with charm and accuracy. As the conclusion
of the meeting, Johnstone announced the launch of the new video, “Living with a
Black Dog” for the supporters and carers of people living with depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VRRx7Mtep8
This new
video launched just three days ago and already has over 6,000 views.
On the plane
ride home yesterday, I reflected on the intensity of our field, the potential
we have when we reach out and support, and the incredible momentum we are
starting to generate from the power of collaboration and the courage of lived
experience; I am humbled and in awe. One World Connected.
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