In this episode, Chuck Gaidica was joined by Susanna Rickman, Suicide Prevention Manager for Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo. Together, they discussed how stigma prevents some people from talking about mental health, as well as ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and have open conversations.
Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo operates as a crisis center, including answering 9-8-8 suicide prevention lifeline and crisis calls, running suicide prevention training and offering restorative practice to the local community. This includes tackling the stigmas, stereotypes and misunderstandings that exist around mental health despite growing awareness of mental health issues. Individuals in America continue to struggle with mental health challenges. Whether you or someone you know struggles with mental health, everyone can play their part in reducing stigma. This stigma can manifest in several ways and affect societal views of mental health.
How to openly talk about mental health
“The number one key is to talk about it,” Susanna Rickman said, “and to not talk about it with shame. To be open about the conversation with it.” During suicide prevention trainings, Rickman said Gryphon Place teaches participants to listen for an invitation to ask the tough questions, such as “are you considering suicide?” This opens the door to conversation and lets people know they can talk about it, and it isn’t some horrible evil hidden away that can’t be talked about. There are cultural differences when talking about mental health and suicide, and it can be difficult to break past these societal norms and ask this type of hard question. It can feel like a very heavy, personal and probing question.
One misconception is that asking someone if they are considering suicide may “push them over the edge.” This is not the case at all, Rickman pointed out. “Asking the question lets them know that you are okay to have that conversation. The more we use the word and it’s acceptable, the less stigma there will be about it.”
How to listen for potential warning signs
“If someone is pulling back a little bit more from you than normal, or if someone’s making comments like ‘it’s so hard’ or ‘I don’t know if I can do this’ it may be considered a stretch” to assume they are thinking about suicide, Rickman said. “But they are struggling enough to say, ‘I’m not doing well,’ and that’s them testing the waters” to see if you are safe and willing to have those conversations with. It’s a scary topic but being aware and open to having that conversation can be extremely helpful. You don’t have to have the answers, but you can educate yourself about resources that you can share with someone who is struggling.
There may be other signals you can catch if you are tuned in to the issues. Chuck provided an example of a man in his 30s asking a friend “if anything were to happen to me, would you help take care of my child?” Rickman said this would be an opportunity to ask, “are you planning on anything happening to you?” and figure out why someone might ask this question. Don’t treat it like it’s off limits. People who are having a hard time may need someone to introduce the topic and simply talk about it.
How mental health professionals and community resources can help
There are barriers to getting help including misunderstandings about suicide prevention and mental health care. People may be afraid that they might be admitted to a hospital against their will if they seek help for mental health, Rickman point out. “That’s really not how it works,” Rickman said. “There is a lot involved in admitting someone to a hospital, and the goal is never to admit you. The goal is to keep you safe.” It is not always clear to people whether they need a coach, therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or other professional. Not everyone is an expert, and you don’t have to be either – you just need to be able to listen, openly talk about the hard topics and learn local resources you can share with someone who needs help.
Suicide prevention training isparticularly important. “Most communities have free or reduced-cost trainings,” Rickman explained. “There is a training that is as short as 90 minutes, and then there is a training that is as long as a few days.” Some trainings teach how to notice signs of mental health crisis and how to persuade someone to go talk to an expert. There are training courses that teach you how to refer someone to get help and even one that teaches how to intervene and support someone in more advanced ways. The key is to be there, listen and help guide someone to resources and connect them to support. You can be public about your willingness to talk about mental health and the hard topics like suicide.
When removing stigma, there is a level of judgment that must be challenged. Rickman used the example of someone with diabetes – you wouldn’t mock, think less of or criticize someone for needing medical care for diabetes or having an insulin pump, for example. So, why would we respond this way to someone struggling with a chemical imbalance or needing help for mental health issues? Just like you may get a referral to a cardiologist for a heart issue, a primary care provider can give referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists or other mental health professionals.
Rickman saidpublic perception is changing and there has been an increase in interest and attendance for suicide prevention trainings, but there is still stigma to be defeated.There is always more room to talk about mental health and suicide. If you are interested in suicide prevention training, reach out to your local community mental health center or crisis center. If they don’t have suicide prevention training, they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Listen to the podcast, How to Reduce Stigma Around Mental Health, to hear the entire conversation. A Healthier Michigan Podcast is brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
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