Peer Specialists’ Techniques for Suicide Prevention, Crisis, and Transformation

Moments of personal distress and emotional intensity are sometimes, but not always, described by mental health consumers as crisis. When accompanied by disabling symptoms, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, and despair, these times can be very difficult to bear. Often, though, these challenging times end up being crucial to people’s growth, development of recovery and resilience skills and even finding their sense of purpose in the world. This webinar will provide participants with basic understanding of crisis supports and suicide prevention in the context of recovery for mental health peer specialists. It will introduce the philosophy, values and basic practices of peer support related to suicide. Listening and positive engagement skills will be emphasized through scenarios and discussion with a particular focus on how to approach personal experience in this context. Participants will also be introduced to key suicide prevention concepts, trainings and other resources for related personal and professional development. Learning Objectives: - Understand the connections of crisis, suicidality, personal growth and recovery. - Describe the expanding role of mental health peer support and lived experience in suicide prevention nationally. - Identify the key concepts related to suicide prevention practices.