2020 Q3 Newsletter

Partner Highlight: Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services is another Be Well OC partner committed to suicide prevention. Dedicated to serving communities where stigma or poverty limits access to mental health, substance use disorder and suicide prevention servies, Didi Hirsch helps more than 150,000 children and adults from 10 locations and 100 schools throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties each year. They are also home to the nation’s first Suicide Prevention Center, an international leader in training, research and crisis services.

Learn more about the work done by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services here.

Partner Highlight: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

We are proud to highlight the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as one of our featured Be Well OC partners this quarter. AFSP’s work focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those who have lost someone to suicide. They are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope.

Learn more about the work of AFSP’s Orange County chapter here.

Be Well Messages of Hope Campaign

Be Well OC has started a social movement to surround those affected by behavioral health issues or suicide with messages of love, hope and support this month. We’d love to have you add your voice!

To participate, write your message of hope, take a picture and share it on your social channels (Facebook and Instagram) using the hashtag #BeWellandHope and tagging @bewelloc – then nominate three friends to do the same. One message of hope can change someone’s life for the better.

Suicide Prevention is Everyone’s Business

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 6-12, 2020. During this week, individuals and organizations around the country and the world join their voices to broadcast the message that suicide can be prevented, and to reach as many people as possible with the tools and resources to support themselves and those around them.

Below are simple tips that can be shared with family and friends, on your social media channels and within your organizations to help destigmatize the conversation around suicide and help those experiencing a suicide crisis.

Know the Signs: Most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. Learn to recognize these warning signs and how to respond to them by visiting the Know the Signs website.

Find the Words: If you are concerned about someone, ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. This can be difficult to do, but being direct provides an opportunity for them to open up and talk about their distress. It will not suggest the idea to them if they aren’t already thinking about it. The “Find the Words” section of the Know the Signs website suggests ways to start the conversation.

Reach Out: You are not alone in this. Before having the conversation, become familiar with some resources to offer to the person you are concerned about. Visit the Reach Out section of the Know the Signs website to identify where you can find help for your friend or loved one.

Prevention Works: One thing we know for sure is that prevention works. Many people who feel suicidal don’t want to die. If they can get through the crisis, treatment works. There are programs and practices that have been specifically developed to support those who are in a suicide crisis. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center hosts a registry of 160 programs, practices and resources for suicide prevention, which you can learn more about here.

Help is Available: The Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255- TALK) offers 24/7 free and confidential assistance from trained counselors in both English and Spanish. Callers are connected to the nearest available crisis center. For Veterans or those concerned about a Veteran, the Lifeline also offers counselors specifically trained to support Veterans.