For those of us who care for someone potentially grappling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, finding practical guidance can be daunting. Common advice often frames the situation as an immediate crisis, instilling fear and prompting us to think of emergency responses like ambulances or police. We're frequently told to prepare for the worst and consider hospitalization. While it's natural to seek safety and security in such alarming situations, is this really what our loved ones need, and does it truly make us feel safe and secure?
While educational resources typically portray suicidality as an emergency demanding immediate services, suicide prevention research offers a different view. A suicidal individual is often experiencing intense distress, better understood as psychological pain. In rare instances, this pain might manifest as violent or self-harmful behavior, severe intoxication, or hallucinations, which do necessitate emergency services. But for many, who may be exhibiting signs of depression, isolation, or criticism, the rush to emergency services can be excessive and, as studies show, potentially more detrimental than beneficial. Understanding how to support someone in pain without resorting to fear is crucial.
This presentation aims to foster an understanding that empowers friends and family of those suffering to assist their loved ones effectively and reduce their own fears. We will delve into basic yet critical human interaction skills like listening and empathy, examining these skills critically to ensure they're applied effectively. We'll discuss how to discern if suicide is a significant concern and strategies for addressing it responsibly. Though sensitive and fraught with the gravity of life-or-death decisions, the aim is to leave participants equipped and confident to provide scientifically-backed support. Remember, as someone close to a person in distress, you are often the true first responder. At the end of the workshop, we will have Q&A.
Asher Siegelman, Ph.D
Asher E. Siegelman, Ph.D., a board-certified Israeli clinical psychologist, serves as the director of Israel Suicide Prevention, offering suicide-focused care, support groups for survivors of suicide, and community education seminars. Mentored by David A. Jobes, Ph.D., the founder of Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), Dr. Siegelman is well-versed in one of the few evidence-based protocols for assessing, managing, and treating suicide risk. As the CAMS-care Israel consultant (https://cams-care.com/), Dr. Siegelman provides consultation and training in CAMS. His extensive background includes completing his dissertation with the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, contributing to the development of a validated suicide risk screener for hospitalized medical patients. His clinical training has a strong focus on trauma-focused care, implementing evidence-based protocols for PTSD in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Dr. Siegelman's research and mentorship extend to suicide prevention, particularly in hospital risk assessments and evidence-based interventions for military personnel and civilians, including adolescents.
