Resources

A collection of stories and portraits of suicide attempt survivors, this visually compelling project was created by New York-based photographer and writer Dese’Rae L. Stage. Stage is a suicide-attempt survivor who wants to put personal stories, and the faces behind them, at the forefront of public consciousness to reduce stigma and show other survivors that they are not alone. Stage travels across the country collecting stories and taking photographs to provide comfort, hope, and a sense of community among survivors. She states on the website that it is her hope that the Live Through This project can serve as an educational tool to promote suicide awareness in a relatable and unique way. The Live Through This project also provides resources for suicide survivors and those who may have suicidal ideation, including information about warning signs, risk factors, and links to other helpful sites.

The Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) is a confidential, toll-free, 24-hour crisis line available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. It was launched in 2005 by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Mental Health Association of New York City. The Lifeline’s network of crisis centers across the nation connects callers to crisis counselors and mental health referrals day and night. Veterans, active military, and their families are connected to a veterans suicide prevention hotline specialist. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website also provides information for the deaf and hard of hearing, information about how to help someone else, and general information about mental health, therapy, and suicide prevention.

Many resources for improving your physical health are available through the local Family and Children First Council. Visit the Ashland County Resource Page or contact Brenda Bub FCFC Coordinator, at 419.282.0000 ext. 5015 or by email at Brenda.bub@jfs.ohio.gov for more information.

Crisis Awareness Training, provided by Steven Click with the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services / Trauma Informed Care, First Responder Liaison, provides participants possible examples of physical and emotional signs that a co-worker, family member, friend or the employee themselves may be in crisis after a traumatic event.

The DSPO works to facilitate suicide prevention efforts and serves as the Department of Defense oversight authority for the development, communication, and implementation of Department of Defense suicide and risk-reduction programs. The DSPO was established in November 2011 and works across all branches of the military to encourage help-seeking behaviors for behavioral health issues from entry on duty to retirement or separation from the service. Visitors to the DSPO website can access suicide facts and data, resources, news, and the military crisis line. Also featured on the site are service member, provider, and family stories as well as public service announcements.

Ronnie Walker, LMHC, established Alliance of Hope in 2008 after the loss of her stepson to suicide in 1995. The organization works to provide resources to those who have lost a loved one to suicide and build a sense of community for those who are bound together by similar loss. Alliance of Hope is a non-denominational and non-discriminating group that recognizes the unique differences in cultures and faith traditions around the world in dealing with the aftermath of suicide, and helps those left behind to not only survive, but to lead joyous and meaningful lives. Visitors to the site can find a blog, bookstore, memorials, and a community forum that is supervised and monitored by a mental health counselor and trained team of survivor moderators.

One of the leading nonprofit organizations working to prevent suicide and educate the public about suicide, the AFSP funds scientific research, advocates for public policy, and has local chapters across the country that work at the community level to raise awareness of and educate citizens about the warning signs of suicide. AFSP also offers educational programs for professionals and resources for survivors of suicide loss. Visitors to the AFSP site can find suicide facts, personal stories from survivors, the latest in public policy initiatives, and event information.