#Standupfor Robin Williams

On Monday, August 11^th, 2014, we lost Robin Williams. He was a brilliant actor and comic…a man most of us grew up with. We knew him as a funny guy, an alien, a genie, a nanny, an inspirational teacher, and so much more. We also knew he struggled with depression, addiction, and possibly bipolar disorder.

Collectively, we grieve for his loss. Williams had an uncanny ability to make us smile. Even when playing more dramatic roles, he brought light, laughter, and inspiration to our lives.

We grieve, too, for thousands of other people who have died by suicide. Fathers, mothers, sisters, daughters, sons, brothers…suicide isn’t just about the person who dies. Its painful ripples spread far and wide, affecting everyone of us.

We believe every suicide death is preventable, that not another person should die in desperation and alone. Those with behavioral health challenges like Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia possess suicide rates 10 to 15 times greater than the general population. Yet, millions survive, and many find a way to thrive. Recovery is possible!

The bitter irony of Williams’ death was the support he gave for another disease that takes lives: cancer. Williams was a strong backer of St. Jude’s Research Center and Stand Up to Cancer. He would visit cancer patients, sometimes in their own homes, bringing joy into lives that would invariably be cut short, just as Williams’ has.

The cancer prevention movement has been so effective in getting people involved – in prevention, in fundraising, in advocacy.  Now many people – whether or not they’ve been directly affected by cancer – Stand Up in solidarity to help fight the battle. They stand shoulder to shoulder with people who are fighting for their lives? They stand to honor those who’ve passed with dignity. They got people like Robin Williams to lean in, and say “I care. What can I do to help?” The suicide prevention movement can learn a lot from the successes of the cancer prevention movement.

How has the cancer prevention movement achieved these goals? They did this by advancing science and promoting stories of hope and recovery. Those who want to stand up for suicide prevention can do this too.

As Dr. Sean Maguire in the movie “Good Will Hunting,” Williams counsels Damon’s Will Hunting on life, love, and grief before telling him, “Your move, chief.”

Now it’s our move. Let’s honor William’s memory, and that of every person who has died by suicide, by making suicide a thing of the past.  What can you do to Stand Up for suicide prevention?

• Reach out and ask others who may be going through difficult life challenges, “Are you okay? What can I do to support you?” Let them know they are not alone and that you can help them link to resources.
• Promote the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) everywhere – schools, workplaces, faith communities, neighborhoods
• Volunteer and participate in suicide prevention work like community walks, town hall meetings, crisis line support and more
• Donate to suicide prevention organizations
• Learn about the real facts about suicide and the strategies that have been shown to prevent suicide
• Then bring others into the circle – your healthcare providers, your employer, your educators, and so on. Elevate the conversation and make suicide prevention a health and safety priority.
• Ask your health care plan and provider to join you

As a society we’ve stood up for so many other important things. It’s time for us to stand up to suicide.  When we all stand up and move together, we create a movement. Together our voices can create significant change in systems, in policy, in funding, and in the general view of suicide. We can restore dignity and offer hope and empowerment and save lives.

#standup2suicide #zerosuicide #wayforward

Members of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention:

• David Covington, LPC, MBA, Recovery Innovations & Zero Suicide Advisory Group
• John Draper, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline & The Way Forward Suicide Attempt Survivors Task Force
• Mike Hogan, Hogan Health Services & Zero Suicide Advisory Group
• Sally Spencer-Thomas, Carson J Spencer Foundation, ManTherapy.org and Workplace Task Force/Suicide Loss Survivors Task Force
• Eduardo Vega, Mental Health Association of San Francisco & The Way Forward Suicide Attempt Survivors Task Force

To Live Would Be an Awfully Big Adventure: Making Meaning of Robin Williams' Death

Guest Post by Jess Stohlmann-Rainey and Heidi Lightenburger

As we grapple with the shock and devastation of losing an actor who touched the lives of so many with his work, we are confronted with the difficult reality that mental health conditions, like many other health conditions, can be lethal. Whether your memories are from Mork and Mindy, Good Morning Vietnam, Aladdin, Good Will Hunting, or Happy Feet, generations of us have been moved to laughter and tears by Robin Williams work.

The comedic and fun-loving aspects of Robin Williams were just as much a part of him as his battle with the severe depression that can come with bipolar disorder. Just as he inspired us to laugh, cry, and love with him, he also inspired us to be open about life’s challenges, including struggles with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and addiction. Robin Williams was a part of an at-risk demographic that many people do not know about. White, working-aged men with a mental health condition and substance abuse disorder are one of the most high risk groups for suicide. This demographic of men is also least likely to access the care they need. Because men do not often ask for help when they are struggling with mental health concerns, it is important for the people who care about them to learn to advocate on their behalf.

The first step to helping others is to recognize warning signs. The American Association of Suicidology uses the acronym IS PATH WARM as a simple tool we can use to remember:

I – Ideation (suicidal thoughts)

S – Substance Abuse

P – Purposelessness

A – Anxiety

T – Trapped

H – Hopelessness/Helplessness

W – Withdrawal

A – Anger

R – Recklessness

M – Mood changes

Once you have identified someone who might need help, ask them directly about their suicidal thoughts and refer them to a mental health resource like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The experts at the Lifeline can help connect people to care to prevent tragedies.

These resources can be used to help a friend, colleague, or family member, but are also great tools for helping yourself. You don’t have to wait to get help until it seems like there is no hope left. Accessing care early and making a safety plan can prevent suicidal thoughts from ever happening.

Robin Williams lived with co-occurring mental health conditions for the majority of his adult life, and many days, most days, he won battles. It is important to remember the times he won, and to send messages of hope and help to those who are struggling.

As he said in Hook, “To live would be an awfully big adventure,” and that is an adventure worth protecting.

Get Involved in the Suicide Prevention Movement

Learn: Attend a training or bring a speaker to your organization

Volunteer: Connect with a local suicide prevention organization about current opportunities

Give: Donate to the cause and find opportunities for sponsorship

Colorado’s Nature Photographer John Fielder Honored as a Shining Light of Hope

Recognition for Fielder’s Involvement in Suicide Prevention Bestowed by Carson J Spencer Foundation at 10^th Anniversary Gala

Denver, Colorado. August 9, 2014.  John Fielder’s photography of breathtaking Colorado landscapes evokes tremendous joy and inspiration in many; and yet these beautiful mountains became the final resting place for his oldest child and only son, John “J.T.” Fielder III, when JT took his life on a 13,000-foot ridge on March 21, 2006. Subsequent to the tragic death of J.T., which came on the heels of the death Fielder’s wife six month prior, John Fielder also experienced despair so deep he understood how people could see suicide as a way out from pain. Since these life challenges, Fielder has lent his visibility as a Colorado enthusiast to suicide prevention efforts. For his philanthropy, honesty and support for the cause, Fielder will be honored with the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s (CJSF) “Shining Light of Hope” award on August 24^th, 2014 at 5:30pm at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. During this event CJSF will celebrate its 10^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala, a “blacktie optional” occasion. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

Each year the Carson J Spencer Foundation bestows the “Shining Lights of Hope” award on an individual or a family that has turned the tragedy of suicide loss or the despair of a suicide attempt into positive social change. Previous honorees include:

• 2007 Rep. Debbie Stafford and Sen. Moe Keller
• 2008 The Emme Family, Founders of Yellow Ribbon
• 2009 Army’s Major General Mark Graham and wife Carol
• 2010 Evergreen’s Cactus Jack’s Saloon for founding the Start Talking Network
• 2011 McKee Family and the Patrick McKee Foundation
• 2012 Jeff LaMontagne, Founder of the Second Wind
• 2013 GG Johnston, Principal, Be Intentional

“The things I love and the things that love me were part of the cure,” said Fielder about his grief journey. “I thought I could go off into the woods by myself, but it really didn’t turn out to be enough. I also needed family and the support of a professional counselor, and it helped to get involved. Within weeks of the death of my son I’ve been trying to help publicly with suicide prevention.”

Fielder admits that it’s often difficult to reach men who are experiencing psychological pain. Thus, he has been an advocate for the Man Therapy project, a program of the Carson J Spencer Foundation in partnership with Colorado’s Office of Suicide Prevention and Cactus Marketing. More information: www.ManTherapy.org.

Because he does not want other families to endure the tragedy he has experienced, Fielder supports suicide prevention on many levels. An articulate and engaging public speaker, Fielder is able to be a powerful spokesperson, addressing this sensitive topic with an honest and straightforward approach. His visibility as a community leader allows his messaging to reach others in a way many advocates cannot. Fielder has opened up his beautiful gallery on Santa Fe for many suicide prevention receptions, giving others who are bereaved and who have lived experience with suicidal intensity a chance to connect in an inspiring space. 

A brief video of John Fielder’s testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8gnsFVXF8g

New Video Provides Guidance to our Nation’s Police Departments to Make Suicide a Health and Safety Priority

Denver Police Officers Make a Call to Action

Deputy Chief Quinones

Denver, CO – The Carson J Spencer Foundation, in partnership with the Denver Police Department, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and the American Association of Suicidology, launched a new video today entitled Breaking the Silence: Suicide Prevention in Law Enforcement, making a clear call to action to Denver Police Officers and Police Chiefs around the world to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. Access video here: http://youtu.be/u-mDvJIU9RI .

The video was produced by the Carson J Spencer Foundation, a Denver-based nonprofit leading innovation in suicide prevention, and was supported financially by the Kenosha Police Department. Additional support was provided by police psychologists from Lakewood-based Nicoletti-Flater Associates.

Det. Sprague

“Physical health and well-being are important in a police officer’s life, but psychological and emotional health are just as important,” said Denver Police Chief Robert White. “We want to create an environment which provides options for all types of wellness treatment and encourages our employees to use services available with no stigma.”

“The tough-guy culture in law enforcement certainly makes for psychological hearty police officers, but when people are overwhelmed by trauma, loss, or a break with mental illness, this tough exterior can prevent the officer from reaching out and getting some much needed support and treatment,” said Sally Spencer-Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of the Carson J Spencer Foundation and producer of the video.

Denver Police Department
Chaplain Dr. Jackson Pope

The video features real police officers, many from Kenosha and Denver police departments, who describe their struggles in coping with challenges of law enforcement and their own experiences with suicide.

“Our jobs, as law enforcement officers, often place us in the middle of highly traumatic situations and this can cause a lot increased emotional stress and trauma for officers”, said IACP’s President, Chief Yousry “Yost” Zakhary (City of Woodway, Texas). “In addition to making sure our officers are physically safe, we also need to make sure they are psychological safety.”

“Law Enforcement officers are the first line of defense in protecting our towns, cities and communities.  We must be vigilant in helping them to protect their own health,” said Doryn Chervin, Dr.P.H., Executive Secretary of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Vice President and Senior Scientist in the Education Development Center, Inc.’s Health and Human Development Division. “The Law Enforcement community and its leaders are taking proactive measures to mitigate the risk of suicide and openly address mental health as a core element of officer safety.  The video, Breaking the Silence, brings forth courageous stories of police officers openly discussing their own mental health challenges and why seeking mental health support fosters resiliency and overall wellness.” 

Lt. John Coppedge

"The American Association of Suicidology is proud to be affiliated with this campaign to raise awareness of suicide risk and decrease stigma associated with mental health treating-seeking among those serving in our police force,” said Michelle Cornette, Executive Director for AAS. “We acknowledge the significant potential for trauma exposure in this line of work and strongly encourage treatment-seeking among those experiencing mental health sequelae."

“As a law enforcement officer for 30 plus years, the last eight as a chief, I assure you the care for officers' mental and emotional health must be equivalent to that of their safety and physical health. Use this video to start the conversation. Silence only compounds the problem,” said Kenosha Police Chief John Morrissey, member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Workplace Task Force.

Breaking the Silence: Suicide Prevention in Law Enforcement Video: http://youtu.be/u-mDvJIU9RI .

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The American Association of Suicidology (AAS; www.suicidology.org)is a membership organization founded in 1968 for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention or touched by suicide. AAS leads the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide

prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services.

Contact: Michelle Cornette, Executive Director, 202-237-2280, cornette@suicidology.org

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.

o   www.WorkingMinds.org

o   www.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

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

The IACP is the world’s largest association of law enforcement executives. Founded in 1893, the IACP has over 21,000 members in 100 countries around the world. The IACP’s mission is to advance professional police services; promote enhanced administrative, technical, and operational police practices; and foster cooperation and the exchange of information and experience among police leaders and police organizations of recognized professional and technical standing throughout the world. Additionally, the IACP champions the recruitment and training of qualified persons in the police profession and encourages all police personnel worldwide to achieve and maintain the highest standards of ethics, integrity, community interaction and professional conduct. For more information on the IACP, please visit http://www.theiacp.org

Contact: Yost Zackary, President yzakhary@woodwaymail.org and Vince Talucci talucci@theiacp.org

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (www.ActionAllianceforSuicidePrevention.org) is the public-private partnership working to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and make suicide prevention a national priority. Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) operates the Secretariat for the Action Alliance, which was launched in 2010 by former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates with the goal of saving 20,000 lives in five years.

Contact: Eileen Sexton, Director of Communications, 202-572-5383, esexton@edc.org.

Randi Wood Honored as Volunteer of the Year

Director of Colorado State Employee Assistance Program’s Leadership Recognized by

The Carson J Spencer Foundation

Randi and her Grandbaby

Denver, Colorado. August 5, 2014.  As the Director of the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program, Randi Wood is not a stranger to mental health issues in the workplace. Since 2008, however, she has taken this professional interest to a new level by helping Colorado be one of the first states to make workplace suicide prevention a health and safety priority for all State employees. For her leadership, perseverance and collaborative spirit, Wood will be honored as the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s (CJSF) volunteer of the year on August 24^th, 2014 at 5:30pm at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. During this event CJSF will celebrate its 10^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala, a “blacktie optional” occasion. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

As a long-time supporter of CJSF and their pioneering suicide prevention program Working Minds, Wood has advocated for many opportunities to integrate important awareness raising and training opportunities for different State professionals and through the Colorado EAP Association. She noticed early on that many State employees and their family members were experiencing suicidal intensity and loss, and made it her priority to better prepare State employees to prevent these tragedies and to respond with compassion should suicide occur.

Randi and Scott

Within her work with the State, Wood has been tireless in her effort to elevate the conversation about these difficult topics. She coordinated statewide campaigns for World Suicide Prevention Day/National Suicide Prevention Week including a proclamation and letter from the Governor that was sent to all employees and a number of activities promoting mental health and resources for suicide prevention. Additionally, she has helped establish a robust partnership among C-SEAP, the Department of Corrections and CJSF to train all employees on how best to identify a co-worker in distress and link him or her to qualified care.

As a member of CJSF’s Working Minds Advisory Board since its inception, Wood has helped provide strategic direction for workplace suicide prevention efforts, helping to expand the program to its current national and international reach.

“Randi is a true champion,” said Sally Spencer-Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of the Carson J Spencer Foundation. “She understands that real change comes from a gentle and persistent insistence that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention and that when we are able to confront these issues head on at all levels of State government, we can save lives.”

Finding Peace without All the Pieces

Finding Peace without All the Pieces

Local Author Presents on Grief after Suicide

Denver, Colorado. August 1, 2014.  When people lose a loved one to suicide they often feel like the mosaic of their life has been shattered and that they are unable to put the pieces together. Colorado author, LaRita Archibald knows about this because she has been there. She lost her son to suicide in 1978 and has been a national pioneer in the suicide bereavement movement ever since. Recently she published a book intended to help “suicide loss survivors” find their way on the challenging journey from trauma to healing to eventual peace. She will be presenting to others who have been touched by suicide and those who support them on August 13^th at 9:30am at the Mental Health Center of Denver (4141 E Dickenson Place

Denver, CO 80222). The presentation is free and open to the public.

In 1980 Archibald founded HEARTBEAT, one of the first support groups for suicide bereaved. Presently there are 42 chapters HEARTBEAT Chapters in 11 states and 2 foreign countries. She has also been instrumental in giving suicide loss survivors a voice after founding the Survivor of Loss Division of the American Association of Suicidology, an international multi-disciplinary membership organization with a mission to better understand and prevent suicide.

From decades of work with suicide bereaved, Archibald brings wisdom to help survivors of suicide loss build an understanding of the complexities of suicide grief. She offers them reassurance that what they are experiencing is normal for what they have experienced.  By giving names to the unsettling experiences of 'phantom pain' and 'flashbacks,' she validates feelings of anger, responsibility, frustration, even relief, as well as the need to search for answers, reasons and cause. In her presentation LaRita suggests practical strategies for moving from being a victim to a survivor, and eventually, a "thriver.”

"Grief following suicide is compounded,” says Archibald. “This lonely, frightening and extremely painful grief journey is eased within suicide bereavement support groups where peers extend the comfort of "you are not alone", the reinforcement that suicide loss is survivable and encouragement to invest their heartbreak in positive action."

This presentation is part of an educational series supported by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado. All Educational Sessions are free and open to the public. For more information go to www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org or email Sally Spencer-Thomas (Sally@CarsonJSpencer.org). For more information about the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, visit www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org, or call 720-352-7505.

 

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About the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado: The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado (SPCC) was formed in 1999, when concerned citizens set out to create a statewide agency with the purpose of preventing suicide and creating a resource network for those who were working to prevent suicide around the state. Today, SPCC’s membership of concerned agencies, organizations and individuals who are working in the areas of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention has statewide reach. The mission of the SPCC is to reduce suicide and its impact for all Coloradans through advocacy, collaboration and education. www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org

10th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala for Suicide Prevention

10^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala for Suicide Prevention

Diamond Anniversary Event Celebrates Local and National Leadership

Denver, Colorado. August 4, 2014.  Ten years ago the founders of the Carson J Spencer Foundation (CJSF) had a dream: to elevate the conversation and make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. They began with not much more than a passion to prevent what happened to their beloved friend and family member from happening to others. Today, with a national reach through programs like Man Therapy (using humor to “man up” mental health), Working Minds (suicide prevention in the workplace) and the FIRE Within (youth entrepreneurs preventing suicide), they are known as leaders in innovation in suicide prevention. On August 24^th, 2014 at 5:30pm at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science CJSF will celebrate the 10^th Annual Shining Lights of Hope Gala. At this “blacktie optional” event, they will honor the partnerships and leaders working with them on the mission to save lives. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

Each year, CJSF celebrates those who have gone above and beyond in their effort to support the cause of suicide prevention and mental health promotion. This year, CJSF will bestow the following awards at their Gala:

·         Shining Light of Hope Award: John Fielder, Nature Photographer

·         Media All-Star: Facebook

·         Volunteer of the Year: Randi Wood, Director of the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program

·         Corporate Shooting Star: Cottrell Printing

·         Social Enterprises of the Year:

o   Mountain Vista High School

o   George Washington High School

The Honorary Chair for the Gala is Larissa Herda, CEO and Chairman of tw telecom; tw telecom is also the Presenting Sponsor. Cynthia James will Emcee and Debbie Stafford will be the auctioneer.

“We are thrilled to have such great support present with us to acknowledge this important milestone and congratulate our honorees,” said Board Co-President Christy Belz.