FREE Mental Health Micro Guide #10

Welcome!

This issue is about talking constructively about suicide.

No details, news stories or methodology are included so you decide whether you want to read this now, later or not at all.

This issue also helps you prepare for Suicide Prevention Day in September.

Need help now?

(UK) Call The Samaritans on 116 123 or look at their website here

The Question: How do we talk well about suicide?

Suicide is an important topic to talk about well.

But we tend to avoid talking about it altogether.

We’re afraid of saying the wrong things.

So let’s start there…

(fwd is aiming to have all video content accompanied with a descriptive transcript so that we can benefit from the wisdom and character of all who engage. The descriptive transcript can be found under the video in Youtube.)

The Time-Saver: Talking about suicide

Save time with this One Click Wonder, all the key resources in one place - just one click away.

Open and save your own pdf version to keep and to share around the office - link under the image.

QR Code. You can either scan the QR Code or click the word “press” next to it to access the video above. Another way to share help and support.

This is part of a series. Interested in versions you can print without emptying the printer cartridge? Or interested in versions with your company logo on? Get in touch.

The Checklist: 4 Ways to Change the Language around Suicide

Four ‘why’s” and their '“how’s”. All to improve the conversation.

Here’s a summary from the video above.

Suicide, it can be hard to talk about.

But talking about it can save a life.

So let’s find the right words

and LISTEN.

The Pause Portal: Reflecting on Control

What is in your control?

It is important to reflect on this.

If we put things in the box

marked “out of my control”

when they are actually

in our control

then we can become

fatalistic and

quick to blame.

If we put things in the box

marked “in my control”

when they are actually

out of our control

then we can become

burnt out as we

max out our headspace

or “cognitive load”.

This reflection is to help us discern

something that we need to let go of

because it is not in our control.

IMPORTANT: this exercise is not saying

we should put up with situations

like racism, injustice or abuse.

These are never acceptable

and are never

“just the view from here.”

Notice your breathe as you

look at this wooden archway

in Haldon Forest, Devon UK.

Notice the birdsong,

blackbirds, wrens and robins.

Notice the water flowing

and the constant sound it makes.

The archway is fixed.

But the view through it is not.

Seasons

Weather

Day

Night

Stillness

Wind

Wildlife

Birdsong

Budding

Blooming

Trickling

Flooding

None of these things are purposefully

good or bad.

They’re just the view from here.

Think of one thing

that comes to mind

that is beyond your control and influence

but that you have been

trying to control and influence.

Open your hand to

let this one thing go.

And send it through the archway.

it is just the view from here.

Try it and see what difference it makes

(fwd is aiming to have all video content accompanied with a descriptive transcript so that we can benefit from the wisdom and character of all who engage. The descriptive transcript can be found under the video in Youtube.)

Getting involved

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Or have suggestions for future topics.

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Join the conversation.

Press the “Get in Touch” button on the website.

That’s all for this week.

Until next week, let’s keep moving fwd…