Culturally competent resources for Suicide Prevention

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month – a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted. It is also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.
The incidence of suicide in Native American communities can lead to deep grief, despair, and hopelessness. Culturally sensitive resources are available to make a difference in saving precious lives.
Seven Generations, a powerful 90-second video aimed specifically at young Native Americans who may be considering suicide, is found at tinyurl.com/358jwj3y. Produced with the participation of several American Indian tribes and cultural advisors, it is based on the “seven generations” philosophy of American Indian culture. The video builds a meaningful connection across the generations while offering a powerful message to young Native Americans to seek help if they are having thoughts of suicide. The video can be downloaded.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), culturally relevant suicide prevention strategies that are endorsed by community members can lead to long-lasting change. The SPRC provides 4 six-to-eight-minute webinar clips adapted from its Tribal Community of Learning Series that feature expert advice on addressing the root causes of mental health issues and suicide in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities by drawing on community strengths. Find these clips and other culturally relevant suicide prevention resources at tinyurl.com/5efr9jpd.
The Tribal Technical Advisory Committee within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helps build and maintain SAMHSA’s government-to-government relationship with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. For more information, go to www.samhsa.gov/about-us/advisory-councils/tribal-technical-advisory-committee-ttac. SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
According to SAMHSA, Young Native American men, especially in the Northern Plains, are at high risk for suicide compared to other groups. While many of the risk factors are the same as those affecting other groups, young American Indian men face additional challenges such as historical trauma, cultural distress, poverty, geographic isolation, and suicide in the community that can cause increased stress.
SAMHSA offers the following suggestions and resources for suicide prevention. For more complete information, go to tinyurl.com/33n7s8zh.
-Educate yourself and others about suicide prevention: Learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, how to support someone considering suicide, and familiarize yourself with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
-Visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). Each year, the SPRC creates a resource full of ways to get involved in Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The resource for 2023 is at tinyurl.com/tsue82tv.
-Read and share SPRC’s new resource: Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth: A Resource Guide for Professionals, Families and Communities
-Attend the Facebook Live: Youth Suicide Prevention: September 19, 2 – 2:30 pm ET. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is hosting a Facebook Live event for Suicide Prevention Month. The event will focus on strategies for preventing suicide among youth.
-Sign up for a QPR Training: If you would like to learn the three simple steps to help save a life from suicide, take a Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training. For more information about QPR, go to qprinstitute.com/ and learn about QPR Institute: Practical and Proven Suicide Prevention Training.
Share 988 Social Media Shareables: Check out SAMSHA’S social media posts at tinyurl.com/4eebsv8p and share them across your channels.
One caring person can make a difference. A community of caring people working together can make a HUGE difference. Let’s get informed and work together to save lives.