Why Bill Spadea Is Starting Conversations About Suicide Prevention

Suicide and mental health are not subjects that most people feel comfortable talking about.  We've seen this issue in the news often in recent months with a spike in law enforcement members taking their our lives.  For many years, people didn't really understand what precipitated a person taking this irreversible action.  We were taught when I was young that if someone is talking about suicide, they are not serious.  As it turns out the opposite is true.  And talking about serious issues of mental health and the mental state of someone considering suicide is a conversation we need to have.

Whether it's the stress of a high risk job, a family disruption or a mental health issue people need help and my friends at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention are here to help. Let me be clear - you know I don;t get involved in strictly 'awareness' campaigns.  We're aware of the epidemic. What we need is action. AFSP is the group dedicated to action and actual solutions to save lives.

One of the most powerful tools we have in reducing suicide is talking about it, whether it's working against stigmas and misinformation that prevent people from receiving the help they need or checking in with a friend or family member about whose mental health you're concerned.

If you feel like you don't have enough information about suicide warning signs and how to help, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a great introductory class called Talk Saves Lives. Here's how AFSP describes it:

This is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide. Attendees will learn the risk and warning signs of suicide, and how together, we can help prevent it.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more and find a presentation near you.