[ASIST_Network] FW: Thanks to all of you who know how to support persons experiencing suicidal thoughts

[NOONAN Donna]

Dear ASIST Trainers,
My boss just sent the following message of gratitude and video link to the Youth Suicide Prevention Network<http://listsmart.osl.state.or.us/mailman/listinfo/yspnetwork> (YSPNetwork) and I want to pass it on to you, as being on the front lines of saving these lives and training others to do so. (Excuse cross-postings.)
Donna

From: YSPNetwork [mailto:yspnetwork-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Millet Lisa M
Sent: Friday, January 31, 2014 9:06 AM
To: 'yspnetwork at listsmart.osl.state.or.us'
Subject: [YSPNetwork] Thanks to all of you who know how to support persons experiencing suicidal thoughts

A friend posted this last night and I want you all to see this because we rarely get thanks for saving lives. In our office we hear from folks around that state who have intervened and saved a life. For privacy reasons we don't share with you all. Please know that there is great gratitude in the world for all of you.

"We've found Mike"  a youtube video showing a man's effort to find and thank Mike, the man who stopped him from committing suicide.

For all of you who have learned to intervene and be with someone whose brain is telling them to kill themselves. It doesn't take an advanced degree, it takes time, human connection, and skills that we can and do teach.  Because of you there are thousands of teachers, parents, youth, faith community members, police, EMTs, school bus drivers - regular folks who know how to stop a suicide attempt.

Thank you for all the work you do!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG-NnvPyEaw


I want to thank Donna Noonan, Jacqueline Meadows, Gary McConnahay, Terri Treat, Lisa Puma, Jane Santarsiere, Pele, Musawa, Kelly Caldwell, Peggy West, mom,  - all of the folks who I"ve lost contact with in my life who, like Mike, have been there for me.

In 15 years working on suicide prevention I've learned many things. One is that suicidality most often has its roots in a chronic condition. It can be compared to a chronic disease - you go to the doctor to learn how to manage an illness - you have your apppointment with the specialist but it's the people in your life, day in and day out, 24/7 who help you live.

Everyone can learn to prevent suicide!  Carry on with the good work.


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