“Suicide: Responding and Creating Hope”

Yellowbrick is a patron at the upcoming community mental health conference, ”Suicide: Responding and Creating Hope” hosted by Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education. The thirteenth annual community conference will be held on Sunday June 1st, 2014 from 10:00am – 3:30pm at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, 1224 Dempster St. in Evanston, IL. Keynote speakers include Father Charles Rubey of Catholic Charities’ LOSS Program, Dr. David Clark of the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Dr. Cheryl King of the University of Michigan. Presenters from Yellowbrick, David Hamilton, MD and David Daskovsky, PhD, will explore the latest understanding of suicide in brain science and how emerging adults are affected by suicide. Prices of tickets vary and CEU’s will be awarded.

Creating hope through connections and communication

Suicide is a choice driven by feelings of irreparable isolation and/or loss. It is a decision that can be swayed by factors like family involvement, relationships with peers, substance abuse and addiction, and emotional resilience. The risk of attempting suicide increases for people who struggle with psychotic illnesses, especially those who suffer from bipolar depression or anorexia nervosa. Poor health, mood, and lack of judgement may influence suicide.

Emerging adults may not show any solid signs or indicators that they feel suicidal. How can parents determine if their son or daughter is at risk for suicide? According to Dr. Jesse Viner, Founder and Executive Medical Director at Yellowbrick, an effective method to prevent suicide in emerging adults is by forming strong connections with a focus on open communication. When emerging adults develop meaningful and trustworthy relationships with parents they are able to come forward and ask for help when faced with overwhelming feelings or challenges. Dr. Viner suggests that parents should employ empathy and acceptance after a failed suicide attempt.

After a failed suicide attempt, emerging adults need support in taking steps toward social and emotional recovery. Seeking professional assistance is a way to start healing and regain a sense of self. Emerging adults may benefit from treatment for depression, intensive residential assistance, or outpatient care if they have been experiencing thoughts of suicide. Yellowbrick offers several treatment options to fit the needs of emerging adults, like the Life Strategies Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or the Core Competence Services program.

While participating in services like the ones offered at Yellowbrick, emerging adults have the opportunity to understand the emotional and neurobiological reasons behind their suicide attempt. They can break down feelings of isolation by repairing and sustaining their connections with family and friends. They may feel a sense of meaning and competence in their lives, empowering them to return to activities they once enjoyed.

If you would like to learn more about suicide, please join Yellowbrick and Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education at “Suicide: Responding and Creating Hope” Sunday, June 1st 10:00am – 3:30pm at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, 1224 Dempster St. in Evanston, IL. For more information, download the event brochure.