From the Trenches: A Suicide Prevention Guru Talks About Staying Strong
- Written by Verena Carl
- Approx. reading time: 6 minutes
Prevention of Suicides: Expert Believes We Have the Means - Expert Advocates for Enhanced Suicide Prevention Strategies: 'Many Lives Could Be Saved!'
Life's a bitch, ain't it? How do you deal with the tough stuff that comes with your job?
- Suicide Prevention
- Mental Health
- Resilience Building
When it comes to preventing the unimaginable, a strong mindset is essential. We sat down with an expert in the field, Jenny, to discuss how she copes with the grim reality of her work, and how we can too.
Question: Jenny, you've dedicated your life to saving lives. What's it like, dealing with such heavy matters day in and day out?
Jenny: It's not easy, but it's important. To stay strong, I prioritize self-care. Exercise, meditation, and hobbies help keep me grounded and focused. I also have a supportive network of colleagues to lean on. We share our experiences and offer each other emotional support.
Question: Beyond self-care, what other strategies do you use to cope?
Jenny: Continuing education and regular debriefing sessions are crucial. They help me stay updated on the latest techniques and best practices, and they provide a space to process challenging cases and emotions. Mindfulness practices, cognitive reframing, and setting boundaries are other tools I use to manage stress and maintain resilience.
Question: What do you mean by mindfulness and cognitive reframing?
Jenny: Mindfulness is about being present and aware of your emotions, thoughts, and sensations without judgment. It helps me manage stress and stay focused on the present. Cognitive reframing is about focusing on positive outcomes and the impact of our work to maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Question: Setting boundaries must be tough as well, right?
Jenny: It can be. I've learned to prioritize my cases and manage my workload to prevent burnout. Establishing clear professional boundaries helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Question: What if things get really tough? Do you seek personal support?
Jenny: Absolutely. Mental health professionals should seek support from other mental health professionals, supervisors, or personal therapists when needed. It's important to address personal emotional challenges and maintain professional efficacy.
Question: You mentioned proactive coping strategies. What does that mean?
Jenny: Proactive coping strategies involve identifying personal strengths and support networks to manage challenging situations. For example, I might identify a trusted colleague I can talk to when a case proves particularly difficult, or I might engage in a hobby that helps me relax and recharge when I'm feeling overwhelmed.
By implementing these strategies, I'm able to better manage the emotional demands of my work while maintaining my well-being and effectiveness in suicide prevention efforts.
Question: Any final advice for those of us on the frontlines?
Jenny: Remember, every life saved makes a difference. It's crucial to stay informed, seek support, and practice self-care. And never forget: we're in this fight together. The road may be tough, but we can make it through, one step at a time.
- Jenny emphasizes the importance of implementing community and employment policies that prioritize mental health and wellness to support staff working in suicide prevention.
- In her own life, Jenny practices mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and regular debriefing sessions to maintain mental health and resilience, encouraging others to do the same.
