Mental Health & Wellness: Suicide

Today, more soldiers are lost to suicide than on the battlefield. After serving their country overseas, many military veterans in their darkest moments turn to the unique services of the Veterans Crisis Line to help with traumas like post-traumatic stress, depression, homelessness and drug dependence. This 40-minute documentary is an intimate look at the vital work of several responders who provide life-saving intervention and desperately needed referrals through the 24-hour Veterans Crisis Line, which provides support and hope to active and retired service members. Directed by Ellen Goosenberg Kent (Wartorn: 1861-2010, Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq), and produced by Dana Perry (Boy Interrupted), the film focuses on the intense, and at times chilling, calls received by the crisis line and the dedicated work of the responders and rescue coordinators+E14 who help distraught veterans find reasons to live. An HBO Production. An HBO Production.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) co-hosted a Facebook Live event on the intersection of suicide and substance use on September 15, 2022. During the event, NIMH Director Joshua A. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., and NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D., led a discussion on common risk factors, populations at elevated risk, suicides by drug overdose, treatments, prevention, and resources for finding help.

Facing Suicide combines the poignant personal stories of people impacted by suicide with profiles of scientists at the forefront of research to reveal new insights into one of America’s most pressing mental health crises. Shining a light on this difficult topic can destigmatize suicide while revealing that there is help as well as hope for those at risk and their loved ones. Distributed by PBS Distribution.

We’ve heard it in the news – the U.S. is gripped by an epidemic of teen suicide. Following the suicide of one student and the attempted suicide of another, high school teacher Brittni Darras realized that just watching for the signs isn’t enough. But how do we begin to tackle such a complicated and insurmountable problem? The answer is surprisingly simple.

Brittni Darras is an English teacher at Rampart High School in Colorado Springs. Following the attempted suicide of one of Rampart’s students, Brittni wrote each of her 130 students personalized cards, earning her worldwide attention, the AspenPointe Hero of Mental Health Award, and the Mayor’s Young Leader Award in the category of Innovation in Education. Brittni continues to advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, according to the CDC, and statistics show that LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to seriously consider, make a plan for, and attempt suicide than their peers.

In today's world, mental health and suicide prevention must become a top priority. As suicide is a leading cause of death in Americans, it's also the most preventable. How do we even begin to make a difference? With the right tools and resources, the power of community can help heal our broken world, one person at a time. It starts right here. It starts with you. Haley DeGreve is a John Deere Communications Specialist and 2020 graduate of Augustana College. Throughout her education, she was inspired to start a mental health awareness and suicide prevention non-profit called The Gray Matters Collective in 2018. The collective became a movement filled with hope, support, and healing for thousands – becoming a nationally recognized movement through the University of Michigan Depression Center. Since she began mental health advocacy in 2018, she’s spoken at many local schools, events, and workplaces to advocate against mental health stigma and educate crisis intervention. As current president and founder of The Gray Matters Collective, she hopes to change the world, one person at a time. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Shannon discusses the loss of her cousin, Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, to suicide in 2011. She openly examines mental health struggles and resources available to address them. Shannon Decker is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Speedy Foundation. She began the Foundation after the death of her cousin, Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, who died by suicide in 2011. Speedy was a 3-time Winter Olympian in aerial skiing. Shannon also serves as the Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the State of Nevada. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Dr. Jennifer Lockman, Chief Executive Officer of Centerstone’s Research Institute, presents “Preventing Suicide Deaths among College Students: A “Meaning Making” Experience in Godfrey, IL.

Short Films About Mental Health is a series of videos made with young people who use mental health services at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

If you or a loved one are thinking about suicide, remember that you are NOT alone and help is available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 988. As the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34, suicide is a serious public health problem. Learn more about suicide prevention at www.psychiatry.org/suicide. In 2020 in the United States, over 45,000 people died by suicide. An estimated 1.4 million adults attempt suicide each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than one in five people who died by suicide had expressed their suicide intent. Men are more than three times more likely than women to take their lives. Firearms are the most common method of suicide (used in about half of all suicides). Yet, suicide is preventable. Knowing the risk factors and recognizing the warning signs for suicide can help prevent suicide.