We have read about it, heard about it and know it is an active discussion today at various levels in our profession. Sort of. The discussion related to awareness may often be the challenge. It may come down to understanding that words matter.
Like on the fireground, we want to use the right words to clearly convey an order.
To meet an operational goal.
To perform a task.
And to save a life.
The fire service has made positive gains in raising awareness around behavioral health and specifically suicide among firefighters. As part of that, those who know, know that sometimes the very messages used to promote awareness may cause harm and may even undermine suicide prevention efforts.
The experts tell us that there are different ways to talk about suicide and some much more positive than others.
This week,fire service leaders of all ranks and positions have a unique opportunity to learn about conveying the messages of support, guidance and direction.
A TRAINING WEBINAR FOR FIREFIGHTERS
A webinar is being held on Thursday, and is brought to you by Lexipol and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. The panelists will share actionable steps that fire service leaders can take to create honest, empathetic, effective messages that support departmental prevention efforts and focus on solutions. A significant portion of the webinar will be set aside for audience Q&A.
You’ll Learn:
• The importance of first developing a strategy for your communication efforts
• The need to move from “messaging for awareness” to “messaging for action”
• How to avoid messages that can increase the risk someone will take their own life
• How to create messages that convey help is available and recovery is possible
This no-cost webinar will be held this Thursday, November 21 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. Registration is free.
Can’t make it? Register anyway and they will send you a no cost recording of the program after the event.
DETAILS HERE:
https://info.lexipol.com/webinar-safely-communicate-about-suicide-tsl
Another opportunity to learn from those who know.
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#firefighters
#behavioralhealth
#mentalhealth
#ptsd
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#suicide
#awareness
#personalsurvival
#communicating