Life and trauma

[MJG017]

@Former-MemberI did an ASIST (applied suicide intervention skills training) workshop last year.  It was only 2 days so im not expert, but they definitely should change the subject or dismiss the subject.  ASIST was about identifying the risk and trying to understand what the person was dealing with.  Finding things that sparked reasons to want to continue to live, and working on a safety plan.  The 3 things tiu mentioned are totally dismissive and totally unhelpful.  Even if the think the person isn't serious, the need to be upfront and find out how serious the person is.  Like i said, it was only a 2 day workshop, but doing any of those three things would of had us told we were doing it wrong.

[MJG017]

@Former-Member  i wish i had an answer for you.  All i know is, from the tiny bit of training i had, thats almost the exact opposite of what we are told to do.  Even without any training at all, it would seem totally unhelpful to me. 

We were taught to look for "invitations".  Things people say that may indicate they are thinking about harming themselves.  Ask them if thats what they are thinking, and if so talk to them about why they're feeling that way.  Then put the rest of thr training into action.

Im sure theres people here that know far more about this who could offer more advice.  But to me, theyve really let you down badly.

[Former-Member]

@MJG017 i haven't had any training and even i know the things to look and listen out for when someone is struggling. 

I guess I'm just out of luck tonight which is incredibly frustrating and I feel completely let down. 

[MJG017]

@Former-Member  I dont blame you.  But try not to let it make you feel like you dont deserve help, understanding, and support.  You, like anyone else in a similar situation, do.  Who else is going to laugh at my terrible jokes?  😁

[Former-Member]

@MJG017 at the moment I'm not winning and I'm right on the edge of calling an ambulance. I've just got sudden chest pain, pain through my jaw and radiating down my left arm. I'm trying to breathe through the pain to see if it eases at all. But I'm treading with caution knowing what my heart has been like. 

[Aonyx]

Hi @Former-Member,

Just your friendly evening moderator checking in - can we recommend you call 000 right now if you are needing immediate help? Sounds like you are experiencing some difficulty breathing and it sounds urgent. It's important you are able to stay safe and reach out for medical support as needed.

Wishing the best and let us know that you are safe! Kind regards,

Aonyx

[Former-Member]

@Aonyx thanks for the check in. I'm ok and I know and will call 000 if I need help 🙂

[Aonyx]

So pleased to hear it and thanks for letting us know. Take care 🙂