HJAR Nov/Dec 2019

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS  I  NOV / DEC 2019 39 Bruce Trimble, MA, APR Director of Business Development The BridgeWay Hospital I began my career working for a residen- tial treatment facility for adolescents, and it was on a brisk fall day that I encoun- tered the worst day of my fledgling career. A young man I’ll call Dave was on the brink of adulthood, but had some difficulties at home, which precipitated his placement at the facility. Dave continued his education, with plans to graduate the coming spring, and worked a part-time job, which afforded him the opportunity to buy a used car—his pride and joy. He also had a girlfriend, Sheila, who was the apple of his eye. A week or so after his placement, Sheila broke up with Dave. This is common among adolescent couples, but Dave took the break- up especially hard, and this issue became a subject of his treatment plan. Then, on an October Saturday evening, Dave’s mood suddenly changed; he seemed to have ac- cepted his circumstances. It was during a shift-change that Dave attempted to take his life. Fortunately, through the effective efforts of our staff, we were able to save him. It was a near-miss that had a profound impact upon my life and career. It left me with more questions than answers. I began to wonder what was missing from Dave’s life that would cause him to attempt suicide. Over time, I came to realize that there were several deficiencies that undermined Dave’s mental health. Community According to the Suicide Prevention Center, the community plays an important role in setting the standard for suicide prevention, and this applies to all ages. Community groups and organizations, including schools, after-school programs, colleges, vocational schools, workplaces, and churches can col- laborate to carry out prevention activities based upon local needs and resources. Cre- ating a comprehensive suicide prevention coalition can be an important first step in understanding the problem in your commu- nity, and identifying the strategies that are most appropriate and effective. Faith Faith communities, especially in the Bible belt, are a natural setting for suicide preven- tion, according to the National Action Alli- ance for Suicide Prevention. Spiritual beliefs and practices often help people experience a greater sense of hope and meaning in their lives. Also, with a continuum that may comprise church services, Sunday and af- ter-school programs, vacation bible school, bible studies and special events, faith com- munities can provide opportunities for de- veloping positive relationships with others, and are often an important source of support during trying times. Life Skills According to the Suicide Prevention Re- source Center, life skills are a key protective factor for suicide, and this includes critical thinking, stress management, conflict reso- lution, problem-solving, and coping skills. Activities that enhance these skills can help people as they face new challenges, such as economic stress, divorce, physical illness, and aging. Resilience, a concept related to life skills, is often defined as the ability to adapt and recover from adversity or inci- dences of change that arise in life. Because life presents challenges and at every stage, the development of life skills, coping skills, and resilience is absolutely critical. Scientific model Suicide is a serious and preventable public “According to the Suicide Prevention Center, the community plays an important role in setting the standard for suicide prevention.”