Hope Illuminated: Annual Suicide Prevention Conference on September 29th and 30th in Chatham, Ontario, Canada

John D. Bradley Chatham-Kent
Convention Centre, Chatham, Ontario

As a clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, faculty member, consumer of mental health services, and survivor of her brother’s suicide, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sees issues of suicide prevention and mental health promotion from many perspectives. Spencer-Thomas will be speaking at the Erie St. Clair LHIN & Canadian Mental Health Association Suicide Prevention Conference on September 29^th & 30^th at the John D. Bradley Chatham-Kent Convention Centre in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. She will be community health and mental health professionals, educators, emergency personnel, interested community members, and families and survivors on how the suicide continuum impacts communities, and what communities can do to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. The presentation will also assist participants on how to respond should a suicide tragedy strike.  For more information on the event contact Ellie Fraser 519-436-6100 or EFraser@cmhalambtonkent.ca.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is currently the CEO of the Carson J Spencer Foundation, a Colorado-based national organization dedicated to leading i

nnovation in suicide prevention. She is also the past Director of the Survivor of Suicide Loss Division with the American Association of Suicidology, and is the Co-Lead of the Workplace Task Force with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Sally Spencer-Thomas
Presenting in Ontario

“As a proud mental health professional, it’s an honor to come back and help build suicide prevention capacity in others,” said Spencer-Thomas.

Within her role as CEO of the Carson J Spencer Foundation, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas has established and founded Working Minds, the nation’s first comprehensive suicide prevention program exclusively dedicated to suicide prevention in the workplace; founded the FIRE Within program for youth and social entrepreneurs; and, was the principal partner on the award-winning Man Therapy social marketing campaign.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas has received wide recognition for her work and has been an invited guest to the White House Briefing on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in DC and to the World Health Organization’s World Suicide Report Launch in Geneva.  As a professional speaker, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas has presented around the world and for organizations such as the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Energy and the FBI.

###

About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. As leaders in innovation in suicide prevention, our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

Be a Shining Light of Hope: Suicide Prevention Training at Bowdoin College on September 23rd in Brunswick, ME

Bowdoin College,
Brunswick, Maine

As a clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, faculty member, consumer of mental health services, and survivor of her brother’s suicide, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sees issues of suicide prevention and mental health promotion from many perspectives. Spencer-Thomas will speaking at to faculty and staff at Bowdoin College during the day, then doing a community keynote from 7:00 – 8:00 pm on September 23, 2015. She will be addressing faculty and students as well as community members on how the suicide continuum impacts communities, and what communities can do to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. The presentation will also assist participants on how to respond should a suicide tragedy strike.  For more information on the event contact Sara Eddy 207-725-3079 or seddy@bowdoin.edu.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is currently the CEO of the Carson J Spencer Foundation, a Colorado-based national organization dedicated to leading innovation in suicide prevention. She is also the past Director of the Survivor of Suicide Loss Division with the American Association of Suicidology, and is the Co-Lead of the Workplace Task Force with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Sally Spencer-Thomas,
CEO & Co-Founder

“As a proud alumnus from Bowdoin College, it’s an honor to come back and help build suicide prevention capacity in my alma mater,” said Spencer-Thomas.

Within her role as CEO of the Carson J Spencer Foundation, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas has established and founded Working Minds, the nation’s first comprehensive suicide prevention program exclusively dedicated to suicide prevention in the workplace; founded the FIRE Within program for youth and social entrepreneurs; and, was the principal partner on the award-winning Man Therapy social marketing campaign.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas has received wide recognition for her work and has been an invited guest to the White House Briefing on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in DC and to the World Health Organization’s World Suicide Report Launch in Geneva.  As a professional speaker, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas has presented around the world and for organizations such as the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Energy and the FBI.

###

About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. As leaders in innovation in suicide prevention, our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

Reaching Out and Saving Lives: World Suicide Prevention Day Event Honors and Remembers All Those Affected by Suicide

By Emily Alvarez

“If you have lost a loved one or friend to suicide, please light a candle in their memory. If you are a survivor of your own suicide crisis or mental health condition or because you care deeply about someone else who has faced these difficult challenges, please light a candle to honor the struggle and the overcoming of it. Finally if you support the cause of suicide prevention and mental health promotion for another reason, we ask you to light a candle to honor this reason.”

Everyone has a reason to light a candle. Last week, 30 people from all walks of life joined the Carson J Spencer Foundation and the Denver Fire Department at a Candle-Lighting Ceremony to recognize all those affected by suicide. The gathering was held at Cheesman Park Pavilion, 1177 Race St, Denver, Denver, CO, September 10^th, 7:00pm-8:00pm. A Chaplain with the Denver Fire Department, Chief Warren Mitchell of the Denver Fire Department and Jess Stohlmann-Rainey of Carson J Spencer Foundation spoke during the ceremony.

“This is worldwide—800,000 people die by suicide each year. That is the equivalent of 4,000 airline jets crashing every year. Yet we don’t hear about the suicide deaths, and that is because of stigma” said Chaplain Ron Biegler.

There are a lot of scary statistics when it comes to suicide and a lot of people see them as depressing and not uplifting. We know that lived experience is just as important as science and statistics and value that with just as much importance. We find that including stories of lived experience can connect with people and potentially get them help.

“It is a social justice issue that people who desperately need help are unable to access services because of stigma and discrimination,” said Jess Stohlmann-Rainey, Senior Program Director of CJSF. “It is an injustice that someone’s life circumstances, identity, or mental health condition can be so painful that they see no other path to relief. It is an injustice that staying alive can be the hardest thing a person has to do.”

Jess uses her lived experience to fight stigma and social injustice. By making a commitment to suicide prevention, she is making sure that another 15 year old girl knows how to ask for help before her darkest moment, and that her parents, friends, and community know how to help her when she can’t help herself.

Three years ago, the Denver Fire Department was rocked by a suicide within their ranks. That is what started the extremely beneficial partnership between them and CJSF. The DFD has taken suicide prevention very seriously and take great strides to include it in their total wellness programs.

“The mission of the Denver Fire Department peer support program is to ensure that firefighters in need know there is someone to help ‘who has walked in their shoes,’” said Assistant Chief Warren Mitchell, one of the DFD peer support leaders. “Nearly everyone in our department has been affected by suicide, whether through the loss of a loved one, individual mental health struggles, or responding to a call. At this candle lighting, we will honor people we have lost, survivors, and those who respond.”

Chaplain Ron Biegler ended the evening with an old Irish blessing:

“May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rain falls soft upon your fields and,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Reaching Out and Saving Lives: World Suicide Prevention Day Event Honors and Remembers All Those Affected by Suicide

Each year people from all over the globe light a candle to honor World Suicide Prevention Day. Most light a candle in memory of someone they love who has died by suicide. Some light a candle to honor suicide attempt survivors and the resiliency they demonstrate in their journey to recovery. This year the Carson J Spencer Foundation and the Denver Fire Department will co-host a Candle-Lighting Ceremony to recognize all those affected by suicide. The gathering is free and open to the public and will be held at Cheesman Park Pavilion, 1599 E. 8th Avenue, Denver, CO on Thursday, September 10th from 7:00pm-8:00pm. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

“We used to call family members who lost loved ones to suicide ‘suicide survivors,’ and we estimated that on average about six people were profoundly affected,” said Sally Spencer-Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of the Carson J Spencer Foundation. “New research tells us that when we consider the first responders, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and many others, that number is actually much closer to 115.”

The event partnership between the Carson J Spencer Foundation, a Denver-based nonprofit and the Denver Fire Department will highlight the many ways people are impacted by suicide, and the importance of community connection in the healing process.

“Firefighters have the exceptional honor of being involved in the lives of others during some of the most profound moments in their lives.  We view our job as a family, an identity, a calling,” said Warren Mitchell, Assistant Chief for the Denver Fire Department.

All those affected by suicide are invited to attend to light a candle, honor and remember including but not limited to:

• Suicide loss survivors and suicide attempt survivor
• First responders
• Witnesses
• Family members
• Therapists
• Close friends
• Health Care workers
• Community members
• Schools & workplaces
• Acquaintances
• Fans of celebrities
• Community groups (sporting clubs)

For more information about the Candle-lighting Ceremony or to get involved in suicide prevention contact Sally Spencer-Thomas Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org or visit www.CarsonJSpencer.org or 720-244-6535.

Video on firefighters coping with the aftermath of suicide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryy7EyAiyeQ

###

About the Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005. We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. We elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We sustain a passion for living by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people.
  • WorkingMinds.org
  • ManTherapy.org
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention.
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide.

Contact: Sally Spencer-Thomas, PsyD, CEO & Co-Founder, 720-244-6535, sally@carsonjspencer.org

6 Things to Do to Prevent Suicides

by Sally Spencer-Thomas

Permission to post by International Thought Leadership

This year, for World Suicide Prevention Day, the theme is “Reaching Out to Save Lives” – a message all employers can use to let people know that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force members and the organizations they serve offer the top six things workplaces can do during the month of September to make prevention a health and safety priority:

1. Offer a Leadership Proclamation: “Not Another Life to Lose”

Members of executive leadership can take bold and visible positions declaring suicide prevention and mental health promotion critical workplace concerns. This proclamation can be in the form of a newsletter to employees or a video on a website.

• There is sample proclamation language within this National Suicide Prevention Week Toolkit from the American Association of Suicidology; for those working with American Indian and Alaska Native audiences, use the Action Alliance’s culturally relevant materials for promoting Hope for Life Day.
• Here is a video with Bob Turner, the private sector co-chair of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, from the 2014 US/Canada Forum on Workplace Suicide Prevention.
• Here are three articles, “A Call to Action on Mental Health,” “How to be a Visionary in Mental Health” and “Stand Up for Robin Williams,” by Sally Spencer-Thomas, the co-lead of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force.

2. Highlight Mental Health Resources

Host a brown bag lunch program each day for the week. Invite employee assistance program (EAP) representatives or other local mental health professionals to offer educational session on stress, work-life balance, coping with depression or other related topics.
Offer a mental health fair where local suicide prevention, mental health or other wellness resources share more information and employees get a “passport” stamped for each one they visit. Completed passports go into a drawing for a prize.
Send resources to employees such as:

• EAP phone number or website with a list of answers to frequently asked questions
• Screening tool: “Workplace Response: Screening for Mental Health”
• Article: “Making Mental Health Your Business” by Candice Porter of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force
• Hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK/8255)
• Online support resources:
  • Community Forum for Suicide Loss Survivors
  • “Get Help” from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • ManTherapy.org – self-screening and humor to engage men to think about mental health in a different way
  • CirclesOfSupports.org – resources for peers and caring adults of youth suicide attempt survivors

3. Launch a Mental Wellness Task Force

A true comprehensive and sustained public health approach to prevention will take more than an awareness week or one-time training. To create significant change, a more strategic approach is needed. Start by pulling together a small group of stakeholders – people whose job titles reflect some level of relevance to this issue (i.e., wellness, HR, risk management, safety) and others who are passionate about prevention because it has touched their lives personally. Their task? To identify culturally relevant areas of strength and vulnerability for suicide within the organization and to develop a strategic approach to change.
Here are some resources:

• Workplace self-assessment tool: “How Mentally Healthy is Your Workplace?”
• Article: “Why Employers Must Help Stop Suicide,” by Jodi Jacobsen Frey, a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force
• Article: “Suicide Prevention: Talk About It at Work,” by Rich Paul, a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force
• Article: “Breaking the Silence on Mental Health,” by Bernard Dyme, a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force
• Article: “A Blueprint for Preventing Suicide,” by Michelle Holmberg, a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force
• Workplace blueprint from the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
• Online resource: WorkingMinds.org

4. Leverage Social Media

During this week, companies can join the international conversation by posting on Twitter and Facebook.

• Sample posts:
  • [Name of company or Twitter handle] makes #suicideprevention a health and safety priority #WSPD15
  • [Name of company or Twitter handle] We are doing our part to #preventsuicide during #NSPW. Everyone can play a role!
• Hashtags:
  • National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 7-13)
    • #NSPW
    • #NSPW15
    • #SuicidePrevention
  • World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10)
    • #WSPD
    • #WSPD15
  • Workplace
    • #WorkplaceMH
    • #WorkingMinds
  • Guidelines on social media and mental health.

5. Honor Suicide Loss With Candle-Lighting Ceremony

How companies respond to the aftermath of suicide matters greatly. Grief and trauma support, thoughtful communication and compassionate leadership can help a workforce make the transition from immobilization to a bonded community.
Here are some resources:

• Example of candle-lighting ceremony honoring those who’ve died by suicide
• Tool: “A Manager’s Guide to Suicide Postvention: 10 Action Steps for Dealing with the Aftermath of Suicide”
• Article: “A Manager’s Response to Workplace Suicide” by Jodi Jacobsen Frey, a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force
• Article: “Preventing Deaths Following a Suicide,” by Judy Beahan, a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force

6. Donate to or Volunteer for Local or National Suicide Prevention Organizations

Engaging in community prevention efforts is a great way for employees to give back and to get to know the local resources available. Corporate investments in prevention programs and research will help us get ahead of the problem. Get involved!
Here are some resources:

• Donate to suicide prevention organizations
• Walk for suicide prevention (community walks offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
• Article: “Why Invest in Suicide Prevention?” from Insurance Thought Leadership contributor Sue Murray

About the Author

Sally Spencer-Thomas, Psy.D., is the CEO of the Carson J Spencer Foundation, the Survivor Division director for the American Association for Suicidology and the Workplace Task Force co-lead for the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Dr. Spencer-Thomas is a professional speaker and trainer, presenting nationally and internationally on the topic of suicide prevention, and has published four books on mental health. She also maintains a blog on issues related to suicide prevention in the workplace.