Marine corp veteran and suicide survivor, Timothy Lawson, shares some powerful insights into how we can improve suicide prevention efforts in our communities based on his own experiences as well as his observations from an 18 month study of suicide among the veteran population.
Specifically, Lawson challenges us to adopt a proactive approach to mental health, and one that incorporates 4 simple components: empathy, a sense of purpose, mentorship, and knowledge that we matter.
"If I went to a doctor to show concern about heart disease, he or she would probably recommend nutrition, fitness, and overall care for my cardiovascular system. My doctor would not need to see me at risk for heart disease to recommend these preventative measures. I do not need to show symptoms for my doctor to be proactive about my physical health. Yet the culture around mental health, specifically suicide prevention is reactive. We wait until we see the signs ... then we act. Is the person talking about death often? Are they giving their belongings away? Did they seem distant or detached? I'm here to challenge us all to be proactive about suicidal behaviour and suicide prevention."
Specifically, Lawson challenges us to adopt a proactive approach to mental health, and one that incorporates 4 simple components: empathy, a sense of purpose, mentorship, and knowledge that we matter.
"If I went to a doctor to show concern about heart disease, he or she would probably recommend nutrition, fitness, and overall care for my cardiovascular system. My doctor would not need to see me at risk for heart disease to recommend these preventative measures. I do not need to show symptoms for my doctor to be proactive about my physical health. Yet the culture around mental health, specifically suicide prevention is reactive. We wait until we see the signs ... then we act. Is the person talking about death often? Are they giving their belongings away? Did they seem distant or detached? I'm here to challenge us all to be proactive about suicidal behaviour and suicide prevention."
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