Suicide Prevention Tips and Resources
Suicide is a critical topic everyone should know more about regardless if it has afflicted your family or not. To learn more, we spoke with Maria Idoni of the Hudson Valley/Westchester Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention about research on prevention and resources, including their free Talk Saves Lives Presentation.
Their programs provide participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives. Participants learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.
Read on and reach out to learn more and how to get help should you have any concerns for a loved one.
Westchester Family: What are some things parents/guardians can do for suicide prevention?
Maria Idoni: Parents can approach suicide prevention in the same way you do other safety or health issues for your children. By educating yourself, you can learn what puts kids at the greatest risk for suicide – and what protects them most strongly.
Westchester Family: What are some general signs to look out for?
Maria Idoni: Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change.
Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. If you are concerned about someone in your life, learn more about the ways you can get help and discover tools you can use today to have a #RealConvo about mental health.
Westchester Family: Why is talking important when related to suicide?
Maria Idoni: Suicide is a leading cause of death in our communities, these numbers are one of many reasons that it is important to talk about suicide like any other cause of death. The more we talk, the less stigmatized the idea that we all face struggles and need support becomes.
AFSP offers Talk Saves Lives, an education program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives. Participants learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.
Westchester Family: Tell us more about your services in the Hudson Valley/Westchester.
Maria Idoni: All our services are free. Locally we offer educational programs, resources and support for suicide loss survivors.
Westchester Family: What are some other events or community-driven events people can participate in?
Maria Idoni: In the Spring, we have Out of the Darkness Campus Walks and in the fall the Out of the Darkness Community Walks.
Westchester Family: Anything else to add?
Maria Idoni: AFSP-HV/Westchester chapter is made up of local residents. We want your opinions and thoughts about suicide prevention in your community. What do you think is needed? Do you think there is enough information available about suicide prevention? Where do you look for this information? Why have you looked?
I am also happy to host a community zoom forum to discuss these topics. Please reach out to me at 914-610-9156 or via midoni@afsp.org. We are extremely grateful for AFSP supporters, our work is only made possible because of them.
