September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and October is Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. With several key observances in October, including World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, mental health and well-being are in the spotlight this fall.<\/p>\n
Virginia Tech experts Jody Russon<\/a> and Matthew Fullen<\/a> share tips for recognizing when someone may be struggling, approaching difficult conversations, and supporting those most at risk of suicide.<\/p>\n Recognize the warning signs<\/p>\n Russon, associate professor of human development and family science, said signs of mental health struggles or suicide risk can include changes in:<\/p>\n Mood: feeling trapped, hopeless, helpless, guilty, ashamed, sad, anxious, agitated, or ragefulThinking: believing one is a burden to others, doesn\u2019t belong, or has no reason to liveBehavior: investigating death, giving away possessions, taking risks, writing about death, saying goodbye, making final arrangements, changes in eating or sleeping, or increased alcohol or drug use<\/p>\n \u201cThe signs described here warrant particular concern when they are new, more intense, or represent a clear shift from one’s usual behavior,\u201d Russon said.<\/p>\n Ask directly<\/p>\n \u201cAsking directly, \u2018Are you thinking about suicide?\u2019 demonstrates that you are not afraid to have a frank discussion about how your friend or family member is doing,\u201d said Fullen, associate professor of counselor education.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could say, \u2018This feels awkward to say, and I\u2019m a little worried it will offend you. But I care about you and want to be direct. Are you thinking about suicide?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Russon recommends choosing a private setting, approaching the person calmly, and identifying concerning behaviors. She advises against expressing shock or judgment, minimizing their pain, or offering quick fixes.<\/p>\n \u201cFocus on supporting them and helping to connect them with professional resources if the person is not in immediate danger,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Challenge misconceptions<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes people think that support is only available or needed during an immediate crisis,\u201d Russon said. \u201cSupport is important when one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, having concerns about someone else experiencing suicidal thoughts, recovering after an attempt, or grieving a suicide loss.\u201d<\/p>\n Fullen said mental health is an important part of a person\u2019s overall health and that it is important to push back against stigma.<\/p>\n \u201cThoughts of suicide are more prevalent than people realize,\u201d Fullen said. \u201cAsking directly about suicide will not put the idea into someone\u2019s head. To the contrary, it might be the start of a life-saving conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n Know the risks for older adults<\/p>\n Fullen said risk factors for older adults can include depression, social isolation, and feeling like a burden.<\/p>\n \u201cOlder adults are more likely to die during their first suicide attempt, making it especially important to have preventative conversations if you\u2019re concerned about someone,\u201d Fullen said.<\/p>\n Build a support system<\/p>\n \u201cCommunities can prioritize mental health education among older adults and their loved ones, develop programs where mental health and suicide are more openly discussed and de-stigmatized, and remove barriers to mental health access for older people,\u201d Fullen said.<\/p>\n Russon said relationships play an important role in suicide prevention.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we can stay open and emotionally available, follow-up, and help someone connect with the support they need, it is lifesaving,\u201d she said. \u201cThe goal is to build a team around the person so they do not carry their crisis, stress, or distress alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Fullen said the 988 Lifeline<\/a> is a resource for people of all ages who may be struggling with emotional distress, and listed Area Agencies on Aging<\/a> as an additional resource for older adults. Russon recommends visiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n About Russon<\/p>\n Jody Russon is an associate professor of human development and family science and serves as the director of graduate studies. She is a faculty member in the marriage and family therapy program and the principal investigator of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Intervention through Relationship Enrichment<\/a>.<\/p>\n About Fullen<\/p>\n Matthew Fullen is an associate professor of counselor education and an affiliate faculty for the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology.\u00a0 He has worked with older adults since 2005, first in the affordable senior housing industry, and then as a licensed professional clinical counselor.<\/p>\n Media Availability<\/p>\n To schedule an interview, contact Jenny Boone at jennykb@vt.edu<\/a> or 540-314-7207 or the Virginia Tech Media Relations Office at mediarelations@vt.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and October is Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. 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