“Be nice,” a mental health suicide prevention education program in Grand Rapids, has an action plan proven to save lives.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Earlier this week we told you about an anonymous $1 million donation to East Grand Rapids Public Schools. The money will support mental health resources in the region.
Part of that is training so employees know what to look for in someone who is struggling.
So what are the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis?
Ben nice, a mental health suicide prevention education program in Grand Rapids, has an action plan proven to save lives.
Christy Buck, executive director of the project, said it starts with noticing changes in a person’s behavior and risk factors that may affect their day-to-day life.
In general, sadness, anger, difficulty concentrating, and overeating or not eating are some behavioral changes to watch out for.
Risk factors include physical injury, harassment and family medical history. Other risk factors may be financial stress, family, school, or work stress.
“Sometimes people want to associate it with one thing, but it’s many things,” Barker said. “But then I want to look for changes in their behavior over a period of two weeks or more. These are changes in their ability, and the way they go to school, go to work, carry out their daily activities, and engage and be fulfilled in relationships.”
If you notice these changes, turn to that person and start talking to them, experts say. Say something like, “I noticed recently that you didn’t come to work on time. Is everything okay?”
Show them you care and care by asking them out for a cup of coffee.
Also, if you give someone a mental health resource, such as a therapist’s phone number or website, follow up with them to see if they have reached out to them.
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