In honor of September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness month, our team began a dialogue on these important topics. We talked about how in some ways our mission inherently builds hope and meaning in the lives of those we support. That being said, those we support still suffer from depression, hopelessness, and desperation which can increase the risk of suicide. For this reason, we designated a portion of our monthly Team Talk to discuss this important topic and discuss ways our awareness may be able to prevent a tragic loss of life. We wanted to share some of the dialogue we had on these topics.
In what ways does PLAN of PA’s mission contribute to increasing suicide awareness and preventing suicide?
At PLAN of PA, we support people living with disabilities to Build Meaningful Lives. Each day our team sees the positive impact of adding key supports that make forward progress possible. Together we face significant barriers as we collaborate to achieve outcomes. We see firsthand the importance of knowing someone cares. It’s one of the strongest defenses to combat the feelings of loneliness and hopelessness that can lead to suicide. At PLAN of PA, Building Meaning Lives means increasing stability for today while planning a brighter future. In this way, we hope to decrease the hopelessness that can cause the tragic loss of life.
What did our team share regarding the topic of suicide awareness and prevention?
Recognizing Suicide Awareness is crucial to serving people in a care capacity. PLAN of PA gives me the opportunity to work with beneficiaries of Special Needs Trusts and establish trusting relationships. I believe having open conversations with our stakeholders about the reality of suicide in our society is one of the best ways to prevent it. On a personal note, I believe that each and every individual is deserving of a full, community-filled, and dignified life. Acknowledging suicide and the pervasiveness of depression in our society will help in achieving these three things.
Suicide Awareness is something that needs to be talked about. People need to know there is help out there and that they are not alone in this world. Depression and Anxiety were not taken seriously enough in the past and unfortunately, people would leave this world too soon. The first step in my eyes is to educate all generations, especially the youth about suicide awareness. You are loved, we hear you and we acknowledge you; if you are ever having thoughts of suicide please talk to your support circle or call 988.
It’s important to remember that having support around you can be the best deterrent. Remember that tomorrow there is a new day, and nothing is impossible if you put in the work towards it! There are people out there making the impossible happen every day.
We also need to focus on those supporting the person living with a disability. Family members and loved ones also need connection and encouragement. An estimated 53 million people across the country are supporting loved ones living with a disability. Often, they do so at their own risk, prioritizing the person living with the disability over their own basic needs. It can also be very emotionally draining. Support persons need support, somewhere for them to turn for connection about their experience.
As we bring September to a close, we know that our own contact with a person can make a big difference. In the words of the Dali Lama, "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive." All of us can show kindness whenever possible, even as we set limits and appropriate boundaries. We all need to know there is hope and experience connection.