How the Mental Health Toolkit and Compassion Can Make a Difference

by Mohit J. White Hat Link Building Services

As we come to the end of one major health threatening pandemic, we are still in the midst of another that has been ongoing in the shadows for decades.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Americans.

The Mental health toolkit is important to eliminate the risks of more lives lost.

How does the Mental health crisis toolkit help us all to prevent suicide?

What is the Mental health toolkit?

The mental health toolkit is a packet of information designed to educate people on how to handle a mental health crisis.

It gives resources on how to find support and how to talk about suicide compassionately.

This toolkit describes ways to help the person who is in crisis

Another great tool to add to this is a written plan of things to do or avoid when a mental health crisis happens.

This plan should include any medication the person takes, signs that lead up to the crisis, and how to calm the person down.

Talking it through

Sometimes all a person needs is to feel heard, seen, and wanted — talk to them with compassion.

When approaching a person you feel may be having suicidal thoughts, explain that you want to help them.

Describe the behaviors that made you concerned.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and never promise to keep their suicidal thoughts or attempts secret!

Some good things to ask, include:

• Are you having thoughts about suicide?
• Have you thought about how to kill yourself?
• How have the struggles in your life made you feel?
• Do you currently have anyone you can talk to?
• What kind of support system do you have?
• How can I help you?

If the person does not want help, urge them to seek it.

It is important that you do not show signs of shock, shame, or any other negative reactions when the person is talking about their feelings or thoughts.

Appear as calm, confident, and caring as possible — this may reassure them that someone cares and can help them.

Even if the person is from a different religion or cultural background than your own, it is important to show respect, compassion, and understanding. It is more important that you genuinely want to help.

Help when it's needed the most 

The best thing you can do for a person in a mental health crisis is seek help from a medical provider, 911, a therapist or other emergency services.

Have the person call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

If you know of ways to calm the person down and redirect them in a positive, caring way, this could also help.

Never leave a person alone that is suicidal or at risk of self-harm — even to get help.

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

To end this life-threatening mental health crisis, education and action is needed.

The Mental health toolkit and Mental health crisis toolkit are two powerful tools in the education of us all.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Hotline and vital help.

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Created on Nov 23rd 2022 02:02. Viewed 78 times.

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