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Showing posts from September, 2023

Suicide Awareness Month: Three Myths About Suicide, Busted

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  Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant Suicide Awareness Month , also known as National Suicide Prevention Month, was created as a dedicated time in September to raise awareness about suicide, its risk factors, and the importance of mental health support and prevention efforts. It was established through the collaborative efforts of mental health organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals who recognized the urgent need to address the growing concern of suicide. Through grassroots initiatives and the dedication of those affected by suicide, Suicide Awareness Month has become a crucial annual event in the ongoing fight to save lives and promote mental health well-being. Although society has grown increasingly more comfortable talking about mental health concerns, suicide is still shrouded in stigma. Myths surrounding suicide persist due to various factors, including historical misconceptions, societal stigma, and limited understanding of me

World Suicide Prevention Day: Working with Suicidal Ideation in the Therapy Room

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Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant As a therapist, how do you feel about working with suicidal ideation in the therapy room?  Suicidal ideation is when someone has persistent thoughts about ending their own life. These thoughts can take many shapes and sizes. For some, it might be as subtle as wishing they weren't around or feeling like a burden to others. Others might have more intense and detailed thoughts, like thinking about how they would do it or when. Suicidal ideation is a serious issue that calls for understanding and professional help to make sure the person stays safe and finds a path toward healing. While we all have our own feelings and comfort level with suicidal ideation, one thing remains the same: clients who seek mental health counseling very frequently experience occasional or even chronic thoughts of wanting to die. In fact, 12.3 million people in the United States report seriously considering suicide some point in