How are you, really?
It’s normal to not feel okay during highly stressful and emotional
times. As health care professionals, our focus is usually on the health
and well-being of others. Yet we know to provide the best care to others,
we must first care for ourselves.
If you are concerned about a colleague, or have concerns about your own
well-being, resources are available. Common signs that extra support may
be useful include worry, insomnia, withdrawal, chronic, fatigue, hopelessness,
and drug or alcohol use, among others. If you’re seeing these signs
in others, or feeling them yourself, resources are available. If concerns
such as depression, substance abuse or thoughts of self-harm gain strength,
it’s important to seek support.
No One Cares Alone- #BeThe1To
We need your help to make sure none of our caregivers feel like they are
caring alone. #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s
message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, helping spread
the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide.
Join us in connecting with our fellow caregivers and take these 5 actionable
steps for communicating with someone who may be contemplating self-harm.
#BeTHE1To: Click on each step to learn more
ASK-Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when
someone asks about them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging
and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
BE THERE-Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less
overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
KEEP THEM SAFE-A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less
available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently
suicide rates overall decline.
HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED-Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources
and individuals for support and safety can help