Finding Your Role in Suicide Prevention
Each year the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) seeks to award local Los Angeles residents who advocate and lead in both suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Residents are asked to nominate both youth and adults that show extraordinary efforts in reducing suicide and increasing help-seeking. New award categories were added this year and a total of six awards were granted.
The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Council is Proud to recognize the 2024 Awardees!
Each year the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) seeks to award local Los Angeles residents who advocate and lead in both suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Residents are asked to nominate both youth and adults that show extraordinary efforts in reducing suicide and increasing help-seeking. Three awards are offered each year: the Outstanding Youth Hero Award, the Outstanding Leadership Hero Award, and the Outstanding Advocacy Hero Award.
Laura Abbasi (she/hers) is an Associate Regional Field Director with Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. She works to elevate suicide prevention and awareness in support of the efforts of Moms Demand Action Chapters across the country and also manages the California Chapter. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Hofstra University and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the NewSchool for Social Research. Laura is a passionate community organizer, honoring with action her brother Jeffrey Banish, who died by suicide. Laura lives in Thousand Oaks with her husband Siddique Abbasi and their three young children, Aamina, Elijah, and Rayah.
Susan Oriente (she/hers) is a High School Specialist and classroom instructor with an B.A. from Wesleyan University and a M.A. from California State University Dominguez Hills. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and beagle. Susie joined a New Hope Suicide Grief Support group after the suicide loss of her baby brother in 2019. She went on to become a facilitator who led many groups before co-authoring the New Hope Suicide Grief Support Handbook. Along with this leadership in the adult Survivors After Suicide (SAS) community, she created curriculum and facilitated New Hope’s first on-campus teen SAS group following a suicide loss on campus. Susie has now joined the New Hope SAS Training team and was able to train over 30 community health workers in LAC DMH to facilitate groups throughout LA.
“I’m Cloe Robinson (she/they), a teen advisor for Teen Talk App. Mental health has always been an important factor in my life, whether it be my own, or that of a loved one. I am so fortunate to have been able to work with Teen Talk and JBBBSLA for the last three years to make a tangible difference in my community. I’ve been able to support myself, and to make meaningful connections with users and people in my life who are struggling. This fall, I am attending UC Davis to study animal science on a pre-veterinary track. I hope to continue my work with Teen Talk and the topic of mental health during my college career.”
Recognizing the importance of inclusion of youth perspectives in important conversations about mental health and suicide prevention that are taking place in Los Angeles County, the LASPN YAB was asked to be part of a Roundtable Series with political leaders. The Roundtable Series launched last spring with a conversation between CA State Senator Anthony Portantino and five youth. Find the recording here: https://vimeo.com/820993536/adeff277d9?share=copy
The LASPN Youth Advisory Board (LASPN YAB) is an inclusive group of youth who are advocating for improving mental health and well-being and its related social determinants of health for youth countywide. The LASPN YAB is guided by four core values that guide our work to achieve our mission: trust, integrity, leadership and inclusion. Meet our Youth Advisory Board members here.
The end of a year is a time of reflection for many of us, considering how things have been and the chance to think about how things might be. In an ideal world, the holidays would be a time of the year when we are all a little kinder, helped our fellow humans out a bit more, and took the time to focus on the people in our lives in a meaningful way.
What would it look like if deeper connections with others were the central tradition of the holidays? Fostering connections is one of the most powerful things you can do to promote resilience for yourself, those you care about, and your community.
Take the time to reach out to someone who may be having a difficult holiday season and have a conversation with them. The conversation does not have to center around mental health. You can start by talking about anything that connects you to that person and be there to listen if they do want to talk about their challenges. Just spending this time sends the message that you care.
It’s also important to remember that although not everyone observes the same holiday traditions, we all want to feel like we belong to a community or group. A sense of belonging can help prevent depression and boost self-esteem and well-being. Inclusive holiday activities can foster a sense of belonging for everyone. Here are some ways to promote more inclusive holidays:
You have probably heard the saying ‘it is better to give than receive’, but did you know studies show being kind to others does you good too? Helping others is one of the best things we can do to spread holiday cheer. Showing kindness towards others increases the production of the hormone oxytocin (which is associated with feelings of attachment and love) and the neurotransmitter serotonin (which is involved in good sleep and feelings of happiness) and can even give some people more energy and feelings of happiness.
You may not be able to solve the big problems, but offering up what you can alleviate some of the challenges others are facing means more than you might think.
While checking in on those around you, remember to check in with yourself as well. Self-care is the gift that keeps on giving, all year long. The term “self-care” has become somewhat misused, but it is really about creating habits that support your long-term wellness and resilience. Changing habits and expectations of ourselves and others takes time and practice, so start with small things. Here are some suggestions:
There will be days when you may reach your limit. Being gentle with yourself by setting boundaries and limits that support your mental health may be the most important self-care of all. The important thing is not to “keep doing all the things” no matter how you are feeling. Give yourself permission to step back. Learning to say “no thanks” can be a powerful self-care tool. If saying no to social obligations feels too difficult, try scheduling a small break before and after each event for a self-care break.
If you notice any of the following signs of distress in yourself or someone close to you, they can be an indication that it’s time to reach out for help:
If you’re experiencing these, or similar signs, you are not alone. Reach out to trusted friends (Preferably an adult), family, and other supportive people in your life.
If you would like to talk to someone outside of your immediate circle, consider calling the California Peer-Run Warm Line (855-845-7415) for non-emergency emotional support.
If you’re in crisis, or are worried about someone else, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org.
May your reflections on this year bring wisdom, awareness of your own strength, and a deepened appreciation for how much we need one another as we look ahead with hope and renewed purpose for 2024.
The Directing Change Program & Film Contest recently announced regional winners and statewide finalists for its 2023 student film competition, in which young people across the state applied their creativity to projects centered on suicide prevention, awareness of mental health resources, destigmatizing mental illness, and strategies for coping through tough times. Through its contests, Directing Change engages youth by providing lesson plans and instructional tools to educators and educational resources to students. Youth apply this knowledge to their own unique message about suicide prevention and mental health by creating films and art.
Several of the films created by Los Angeles County youth will be screened and recognized at the program’s 11th Annual Screening and Award Ceremony on May 16th hosted at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. Reserve your free ticket here: https://directingchangeca.org/2023-award-ceremony/
Directing Change was founded on the idea that stories are one of the most powerful tools for elevating conversations around critical health topics, changing norms, challenging harmful perceptions, and inspiring action toward more inclusive communities. The program encourages young people to be courageous and genuine, using their creative talents and artistry not only for self-expression and entertainment, but to make a difference as well.
The way youth participants describe their films highlights some of the vital messages at the center of the contest. For instance, the students behind “Your Friend, Avery” shared that the film “demonstrates the importance of having companionship in hard times. It shows how important it is for someone to know when friends, family, or acquaintances are suffering. And it shows that a simple act of comfort can bring hope to someone when it seems like there is none. At the same time, the video also shows that it’s okay for someone dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts to let others know that they are suffering. It’s okay to ask for help and [important] to realize that you are not alone.” Meanwhile, the filmmakers who created “Not All Smiles Are Smiles,” wrote that their film “shows how someone can prevent suicide from happening by reaching out to a trusted adult for help, [such as a] therapist or counselor. In [our] video, we focus on the importance of taking someone seriously when they express thoughts of suicide.”
The following films from Los Angeles County all placed in their respective categories. Thank you to the young filmmakers for sharing such powerful messages!
First Place: “Your Friend, Avery”
John F Kennedy High School
Filmmakers: Miles Gardin, Yelena Reyes Mata
Advisor: Aaron Lemos
Link: https://vimeo.com/801108650
Second Place: “I Am Not Alone”
Inglewood High School/ City Honors Academy
Filmmakers: Elizabeth Perez, Lena Barret, Sergio de la Torre,
Advisor: Tadeo Huazo
Link: https://vimeo.com/805411004
Third Place (Tie): “We Are All in This Together”
Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Media Magnet
Filmmaker: Matthew Roque
Advisor: Jamal Speakes
Link: https://vimeo.com/801752273
Third Place (Tie): “We’ve Never Been Closer”
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Liam Plunier, Louis Nolte
Advisor: Sara Hills
Link: https://vimeo.com/803229120
First Place Mental Health: “Overthinking”
Lloyde High School
Filmmaker: Gabe Martinez
Advisor: Kevin Brown
Link: https://vimeo.com/803274910
Second Place: “Life in Time Lapse”
Claremont High School
Filmmakers: Hannah Swiatek, Sophia Diaz, Linnea Anderson, Lindsey Olivo, Eleanor Myers
Advisor: Sara Hills
Link: https://vimeo.com/802504467
Third Place (Tie): “Sometimes Your Feelings”
Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
Filmmakers: Julissa Hernandez, Amy Chan, Rodselyn Ramirez, Vanessa Guzman, Natalia Lara,
Milenka Melton, Aylin Narvaez, Elvia Barrera
Advisor: James Ng
Link: https://vimeo.com/803615254
Third Place (Tie): “A Wish”
MT. SAC Early College Academy
Filmmakers: Vanessa Ramos, Joshua Fermalino, Isabella Quezada, Giovanna Lopez
Advisor: Rudy Ruiz
Link: https://vimeo.com/803775056
First Place: “Seams”
Claremont High School
Filmmaker: Katie Ray
Advisor: Tamara Kirkpatrick
Link: https://vimeo.com/803735933
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) and LA Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) are pleased to have launched a three-part Suicide Prevention Webinar Series led by Dr. Laura Minero intended to further suicide prevention efforts within the 2QST+ / LGBTQ+ communities.
The three part series kicked off with ‘Decolonizing our Understanding of 2SQT Communities: Why Intersectionality Matters’. The workshop provided attendee’s with an overview of the history surrounding 2-Spirit, Queer and Trans (2SQT), why and how decolonization matters in our support for those communities and how the praxis of intersectionality can help us reclaim 2SQT/LGBTQ+ inclusive and liberation-based communities and support.
The second webinar focused on Protecting 2SQT+ Lives: Community Accountability tools for Creating a more 2SQT+ Affirming World. The workshop focused on highlighting 2QST/LGBTQ+ histories of fighting for equality and justice, how they systematically contributed to the mental health realities of 2QST people, and provided hands on strategies that aided in preventing suicide and creating communities where 2SQT populations can thrive.
The last webinar in the series, scheduled for March 9, 2023 will focus on Providing Cultural Responsiveness, Anti-Racist and Affirming Clinical Care to 2QST+ Youth and Families. 2SQT/LGBTQ+ young people whose caregivers reject them report high levels of negative health problems, and those whose caregivers support them show greater well-being, better general health and significantly decreased risk for suicide, depression, and substance abuse. Several models are available to educate and inform families understand and support their 2SQT/LGBTQ+ youth, across a wide range of practice settings and service systems. Drawing from extensive research, Dr. Minero will discuss the 2SQT/LGBTQ+ Affirming model and highlight evidence-base strategies to support 2SQT/LGBTQ+ youth, their families and 2SQT/LGBTQ+ adult clients; the discussion will also incorporate diverse and intersectional experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color.
https://eventshub.dmh.lacounty.gov/Account/Events/Conferences/Detail/11793
Members of the Outreach and Education Division within the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network’s Youth Advisory Board, kicked off their Music Playlist Series with a Self-Care Playlist. The members came together to create a music playlist to listen to whether you are spending an entire day full of self-care practices or simply interested in hearing some new music throughout your daily routine. Self-care is not linear and everyone has their own way they integrate self-help practices into their lives.
“We hope that this music playlist brings you joy and allows you to distress as you do things that ground you. Please feel free to share this playlist with family and friends! We hope you love it just as much as we do.”
Listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2gzaLgX7ChFe1j5iw99FN5?si=ef513f14385a4423
The Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is an inclusive group of 23 youth, ranging in age from 16 years old to 24, who advocate for improving mental health and well-being and its related social determinants of health for youth countywide.
The youth have received intensive trainings and are supported by vetted adult mentors drawn from the LASPN – mental health professionals, advocates, survivors, providers, researchers, and representatives from various agencies and organizations across Los Angeles County. These adult allies provide support and mentorship to the Youth Advisory Board and pathways to support when dealing with the sensitive topic of mental health and suicide.
Three youth leaders emerged and have been instrumental in founding and leading the LASPN Youth Advisory Board with a special focus on three pillars: Outreach & Engagement, Arts & Social Media and Advocacy & Communication. The LASPN Youth Advisory Board’s official inception was in 2020 but due to the pandemic, actual establishment of the YAB was in 2021.
The youth have developed several videos and participated in engagement activities and events to raise awareness and uplift the crucial role young people play in suicide prevention. Additionally, YAB members have participated in community activities, and as youth content advisors on a curriculum guide for Creative Wellbeing, a healing-informed and mental health promotion approach developed by the Department of Arts & Culture, Department of Mental Health, Office of Child Protection and the Arts for Healing & Justice Network. LASPN youth and mentors will also be taking part in the Department of Arts & Culture’s Healing Centered Engagement (HCE) Initiative created in collaboration with Dr. Shawn Ginwright and the Flourish Agenda to explore the role of arts in HCE and devise an HCE Arts Framework for LA County.
There will be an opportunity to participate in the Youth Advisory Board in the 2nd cohort. Be on the lookout for information on how to apply for the LASPN Youth Advisory Board starting mid-March. We will have the application information on this website but will also be pushing out the information on our social media platforms and email distribution list. There will be an application and interview process.
Most of us experience any number of emotions from day to day. Experiencing negative emotions, especially when under stress, is part of the human experience; however, if left unprocessed or unacknowledged, they can cause harm physically and emotionally. Prolonged crises, such as the ones we have experienced due to COVID, and any form of significant life transition can lead to long-term and toxic stress. This type of stress can be especially amplified among people who were already experiencing significant life challenges, chronic health or mental health conditions, and disabilities.
Research has found that breathing practices are effective at reducing stress, balancing our energy and emotions, and helping us process some of the more challenging feelings that can arise. But incorporating self-care, such as breathing, into our busy lives is easier said than done and may also be particularly challenging for people who have experienced trauma.
Being gentle with ourselves by setting boundaries and limits that support our mental health may be the most important self-care act of all. As author Brianna Wiest says: “Self-care should not be something we resort to because we are so absolutely exhausted that we need some reprieve from our own relentless internal pressure. True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake, it is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.”
But changing the expectations of ourselves and others takes time and practice. Starting with small actions can be a good way to begin. For example, try out one of the breathing exercises below or mindful breathing, which has been known to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
It may sound strange, but many people forget how to breathe properly, using their chest and shoulders to breathe, resulting in short and shallow breaths which can increase stress and anxiety! When you breathe, your belly should expand, involving your diaphragm, a large muscle in your abdomen. This type of breathing is known as diaphragmatic, or belly breathing and can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, lower our heart rate, and help us relax. Belly Breathing is at the center of the practice of meditation which is known to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
Download, share and watch the 30-second Belly Breathing Animation, which can be found here: https://www.suicideispreventable.org/social-media.php
Color Breathing
Visualize a color that represents how you want to feel, imagine inhaling that color in. Visualize a color that represents what you want to let go of, imagine exhaling that color out.
4-7-8 Breathing Technique
Otherwise known as “relaxing breath”, 4-7-8 breathing, is a simple breathing exercise that can be done anywhere, anytime to aid in stress reduction, grounding, and even sleep. Inhale for a count of 7, hold for a county of 4, and then exhale for a county of 8! Download and share the 4-7-8 Breathing Card and Social Media post.
Square Breathing
One of the most common breathing exercises is referred to as square breathing which is the act of breathing in the form of a square! Inhale 2…3…4… hold 2…3…4! Download and share the Square Breathing Card and Social Media post.
This is the title of the afternoon keynote address that will be delivered by Dr. Mike Anestis on September 25th as part of the 9th Annual Suicide Prevention Summit hosted by the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network. To register click here.
The keynote address will provide the audience with a thorough background on the relationship between firearms and suicide. The discussion will be data-driven and will establish the magnitude of the relationship between firearms and suicide, will propose a theory-driven rationale for that relationship, and will propose solutions. Information will be drawn from both military and civilian samples and will cover a range of solutions.
Dr. Mike Anestis is an Associate Professor of Psychology and the director of the Suicide and Dysregulation laboratory at the University of Southern Mississippi. He received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his PhD from Florida State University. His research focuses on risk factors for suicide, with a particular emphasis on the role of firearms. Dr. Anestis is the author of over 130 peer reviewed scientific publications as well as the recent book Guns and Suicide: An American Epidemic. Dr. Anestis received the 2018 Edwin Shneidman Award for early career achievement in suicide research from the American Association of Suicidology and is currently the principle investigator on a randomized clinical trial focused on increasing safe storage behavior among firearm owning members of the Mississippi National Guard.
More resources on Means Restriction:
Have you ever heard the saying “it’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?” While a sledgehammer will certainly open the nut, it will also smash it to bits when there are better tools for the job. This points to the issue of how we respond to someone who reveals that they are thinking about suicide.
If you have ever been in this position, you know how difficult it can be. The fear of saying or doing the wrong thing, or not enough, can be overwhelming. The safest response might seem like calling 911. While this is true in some situations, in others a less drastic response may be more helpful.
Below are some considerations for finding the right tool for the job. Sometimes the best way to identify what steps to take is to ask the person what they think will help keep them safe. You can find reassurance in the knowledge that most suicidal crisis last for a brief period of time. Therefore staying with the person (as long as the scene is not unsafe) and connecting them to resources and ongoing support when the situation has calmed down might be the most effective course of action.
Crisis lines are designed to quickly assess the level of risk in a situation and get the caller to the appropriate services. If you are calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or one of its member crisis centers in California, the call will be answered by someone trained in assessing suicide risk and conducting a phone-based intervention designed to reduce their risk. Many Lifeline/crisis center calls are life-saving interventions, and they are equipped to call 911 on the person’s behalf if they believe a suicide attempt has occurred or the person’s life is in imminent danger.
Crisis lines are useful in a range of situations, from direct intervention to someone in an acute crisis, to calling yourself to talk about how you might help someone you are concerned about. Crisis lines can also help you or the person in crisis to find a mental health provider in your community.
The Suicide Prevention Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7 and answered by trained counselors who are skilled in intervening with those who are acutely suicidal, as well as individuals who are concerned about someone else. Chat services are also available online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/. Individuals can also text HOME to 741-741.
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also connect callers to the Spanish language network through a prompt or by calling directly (1-888-628-9454). There is also an option for the deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889. Callers to the Lifeline can also choose a prompt to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line, which can also be reached by texting 838255 or through an online chat service.
Calling 911 connects the situation to first responders, such as law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs. If you suspect that someone is about to or has already harmed themselves and requires medical attention, or if you are in danger, this is the right tool.
But it may not be the right tool in every circumstance. More often than not other tools in the community can help avoid the potential trauma of a 911 response. For example, crisis hotline staff have the skills to assess and intervene to help someone who is acutely suicidal. Imagine someone being in emotional pain and rather than emotionally stabilizing on the phone or in-person with a caring and compassionate, friend, family member or mental health professional, they are potentially hand-cuffed and transported to the nearest Emergency Room in a police car, only to experience long wait times or hold for psychiatric assessment. This experience might deter them from seeking the appropriate help later.
Becoming familiar with warning signs and resources, being willing to listen, and ready to take steps to reduce access to lethal means are tools you can always have in your toolbox.
Know the Signs: Pain isn’t always obvious, but most suicidal people show some signs that they are thinking about suicide. The signs may appear in conversations, through their actions, or in social media posts. If you observe one or more warning signs of suicide, especially if the behavior is new, increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change, step in or speak up.
Find the Words: “Are you thinking of ending your life?” Few phrases are as difficult to say to a friend or loved one. But when it comes to suicide prevention, none are more important. Visit the “Find the Words” section of www.suicideispreventable.org for suggestions to get the conversation started. Having the conversation is less about persuading someone not to end their life, and about showing that you are concerned, helping the person to find hope and remember their reasons for living.
Reach Out: You are not alone in helping someone in crisis. There are many resources available to assess, treat, and intervene. Crisis lines, counselors, intervention programs and more are available to you as well as to the person experiencing the emotional crisis. Visit the Resources page to learn about local resources.
There is no foolproof process for knowing exactly the right thing to do. Trust your instinct if it tells you something is wrong. Leading with compassion can help create safe spaces for people to talk about their pain and this is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Many people who have lost someone to suicide don’t feel the same compassion from others that those who have lost a loved on another way experience. Some of this is because people are uncomfortable talking about suicide. Consider reaching out to someone who has lost a friend or loved one to suicide. Ask them about how the person they lost lived rather than focusing on the way they died.
The more we talk about suicide and suicide prevention, the more we can reduce the stigma around the subject and infuse our communities with hope and healing.
Reference the UB School of Social Work’s Self Care site which provides a Self-Care Starter Kit with valuable resources.
Visit the Mental Health America website for tools and tips at https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ten-tools.
For additional self-care resources visit the Self Care section of the 2019 Each Mind Matters Suicide Prevention Week Toolkit at https://www.eachmindmatters.org/spw2019/
Love the person you are – figure out what makes you happy and do more of it!