Life Voice: we train for life!

At Life Voice Canada we build suicide-safer communities one participant at a time through our safeTALK, ASIST, and "ASK" (Assessing for Suicide in Kids, 5-14) certified workshops. We also provide free downloadable crisis support sheets on our website at www.LifeVoice.ca

[lifevoicecanada]

Today we wrapped up training 30 social work students at @renisoncollege It was a full house with tons of wisdom in the room, along with great discussion about the intersection of protocols, professional regulations, personal ethics, and how best to support someone experiencing thoughts of suicide. These are the types of conversations we appreciate. And this is the place to explore them. Interested in joining our next #ASIST workshop? Visit LifeVoice.ca to see our upcoming dates. Together we're building a suicide safer community; one participant at a time. #suicidesafer #suicideintervention #socialwork (at Renison University College) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5o1II_ndYs/?igshid=anx9xqijlb15

[lifevoicecanada]

Is vulnerability a weakness or a strength? Many think vulnerability is a weakness. But here's the thing. When a person is vulnerable, especially when they've made the CHOICE to be VULNERABLE (like running into a burning house to save someone, for example,) they have to show up with COURAGE to do that. Anytime there's risk that's when courage is present. So let me ask you again. Is vulnerability a weakness or a strength? When another human has the courage to talk to us about their thoughts of suicide we are seeing courage in action. They're choosing to be vulnerable and there's no guarantee what someone might do with that information. The hope is that the helper will honour the strength they're seeing before them. But it's still a risk. During the SafeTALK workshop with the Kitchener Fire Department this is one of the themes we explored. Today, we're all a lot better equipped to see the strength in vulnerability when someone has the courage to talk to us about suicide. ❤️🚒👨🏻‍🚒👩🏾‍🚒#vulnerability #courage #strengthinvulnerability #whencourageshowsup #humanshelpinghumans #kpffa #safetalk #suicideprevention @dc_rmartin @bootsontheground__ @ivegotyourback911 (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5frsoNHmib/?igshid=or0hwaspn12p

[lifevoicecanada]

We did it!!! 16 SafeTALK workshops at the Kitchener Fire Department. 99% of their front line team is now trained in suicide alertness. We hear a lot about police and OPP suicides in the news. Not so much about other first responders even though the rates are almost just as high. But these are stats we can change. The first step is awareness. KFD has chosen the proactive approach. And after 16 workshops we are well equipped to start the work of training other departments thanks to these ground breakers!!! They should be incredibly proud leading the way to open the conversation around suicide before waiting to be reactive. I'm so proud of each and every KFD firefighter. We had so many groups we have many more photos to share but didn't want to hold off on giving a huge shout out to the 16th and final group of KFD SafeTALK certified members. Congratulations everyone. You worked hard for this moment!!! ❤️🚒👩‍🚒👨🏽‍🚒 #safetalk #kfd #kpffa #suicideprevention #firefighters @dc_rmartin @bootsontheground__ @ivegotyourback911 (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5d6ihlnCkg/?igshid=c1a1ali1eym2

[lifevoicecanada]

Fight and flight can save our lives. If there's a fire, for example, we absolutely want flight to kick in to help give us the adrenaline boost we need to go out of the building and call 9-1-1. But, everything has two sides. What about when its kicking in but there isn't an actual threat: only a perceived one? Sometimes that's what happens with thoughts of suicide. And the person may not be making a choice in that state that they would if that perceived threat was not present. If someone refuses to get connected to a resource who can help them plan how to stay safe from thoughts of suicide when they have that threat on their life, the conversation may then need to sound something like, "If you head out that door I'm going to have to call 9-1-1 because I'm not willing to take a chance on your life. Or, you could come sit with me and we could work together to figure it who could be the best support for you right now." If they're able to sit down with you they're likely starting to think more rationally. If they're not, flight may have kicked in and that person may do something they'd otherwise regret. As much as possible we want to help people feel empowered to make decisions around the supports they need. Like calling a crisis line. Talking with a counsellor. Connecting with an ASIST-trained caregiver in the community who can teach them safety planning. There is a time and a place for 9-1-1 and that time is when harm is already, or about to happen. Even when someone can't keep themselves safe right now we can still find ways to give them choice. "Shall I call 9-1-1 or will you sit down and talk with me?" "It seems like you don't feel you can keep yourself safe tonight. Shall we call for paramedics to come take you to the hospital/in-take centre, or shall we go in my car?" "Would you prefer to go to the hospital or shall we set up 24 hour monitoring at home? We can decide who will take shifts around the clock keeping an eye on you until you can keep yourself safe again." "We need to get you to the respite centre. Would you like to grab your jacket or should we just head out now?" Even in tough circumstances find ways to include choice. @dc_rmartin #asist #safeTALK (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5XlSDAnCCg/?igshid=11j590gyhjq2m

[lifevoicecanada]

Front line workers in blue. Today we kicked off session 9 of 16 #safeTALK workshops at the Kitchener Fire Department. One of the many things I appreciated about this group was their engagement when it came to learning about suicide awareness. We talked about resources that could help them support their families (like @kidshelpphone and @good2talk ) their communities (like putting suicide bereavement resources in the hands of those who have just been bereaved by suicide. Postvention = Prevention.) and other first responders (like Breakwater Institute, @bootsontheground__ and the internal #CISM team). This group is prepped and ready to go! Well done today, everyone!!! Our communities are in good hands with you! @dc_rmartin (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5WcxX-HTqR/?igshid=pxbkvbqm08ai

[lifevoicecanada]

"I feel worn down. Overwhelmed. Sometimes it's hard to think clearly. I can't remember when I noticed the change. It just sort of became normal I guess." Sound familiar? This certainly resonates with us as it does with many dispatchers, firefighters, and other front line workers. When we share a piece of what we're experiencing it can be a connecting point and reinforcer that we're not the only ones. The BC Professional Firefighters Association @bcpffa who created this campaign, want to send that message loud and clear. "Share it. Don't wear it." Let someone hear you today. If things are feeling heated that's your cue to seek supports. Don't know where to turn? Try @bootsontheground__ @badgeoflifecanada @wwp or Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566) These resources are run by volunteers who WANT to talk to people about their struggles including thoughts of suicide. They see talking as the strength it is. You can also visit @psycologytoday and search for counsellors across Canada and by topic of expertise such as trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. #shareitdontwearit #911dispatcher #firefighters #kfd #PTSD @dc_rmartin @firefighters_canada (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5SyvMGHDAx/?igshid=vgr3u7sgbgho

[lifevoicecanada]

"I'm tired all the time. I snap at my wife, the kids, even the guys at work. It's like I'm under a cloud and I just can't seem to get out from under it. You know?" Yes!!! We do know that feeling. We've been there. Many fire fighters and other front line workers have been there too. When we share a piece of what we're experiencing it's amazing how it can be a connecting point and reinforcer that we're not the only ones. Fire fighters like Doug Sharp of the Kitchener Fire Department we designed this campaign, want to send that message loud and clear. Share it. Don't wear it. Let someone hear you today. That's a big part of how we lift our heads up from under the muck so we can finally breathe again. #shareitdontwearit #firefighters #kfd @dc_rmartin @bootsontheground__ @firefighters_canada (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Q0jTanUhd/?igshid=1oqgcgbg0qhbq

[lifevoicecanada]

Photo 1: that's me and my date (aka hubby) at the Boots On The Ground volunteer and supporter dinner. Having a bit of fun. Photo 2: To the left is Jake, paramedic, BOTG volunteer, and fellow Mental Health First Aid instructor. Jake and I first met at the instructor training for MHFA through the @themhcc He is sharp as a tac and fascinating to talk with. To the right is the amazing @tammywhelen with her hubby. Tammy is a public speaker, certified trainer, and downright good human. Photo 3: Between Tammy and I is Dave McClennan, founder of @bootsontheground__ Thanks to Dave's vision and action there are now 120 first responder peer supporters through BOTG who fielded 285 calls in their first year! That's potentially 285 first responder lives saved thanks to this organization. If you're a first responder in Ontario this crisis resource is for you. It's confidential, available 24/7, and peer-led. Helped people help people! Photo 4: Tammy and I. She's the real deal, folks. I'm so grateful to be surrounded by some amazing humans doing life-changing work! This was an incredible night and we were all so privilege to be invited to share in it. 👩‍🚒👮🏾👩🏻‍🚀👨🏽‍⚕️⛑🚑🚒🚓 (at Peel Regional Police Association) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5O05eHHrx8/?igshid=1xd3kr6vguc9u

[lifevoicecanada]

It's become tradition that when going to the bar a first responder may ask who has their Challenge Coin. If you forgot yours, guess who's buying the rounds? I'm proposing a new challenge for our first responder crews. This Boots On The Ground challenge coin represents a resource driven by first responders for first responders across Ontario. Imagine pulling this challenge coin out at the bar and slapping it down on the counter. What message might it send to see this crisis resource again and again and again. In addition to linking first responders together through the symbolism on the front, the flip side includes the BOTG website and crisis number. Are you a first responder in Ontario? Do you know of one? Here's a neat stocking stuffer idea for the holidays. We get paid nothing for saying this, we just really believe in the work they are doing. To order one visit @bootsontheground__ and order yours today. Need to reach out? Their line is truly confidential. They have first responders with lived experience of a mental health issue who want to support other first responders. And, they are ASIST-trained which means they know how to do safety planning. Talk about a life-saving challenge coin! And now you know what the second challenge coin is that is always in my wallet! .. @bootsontheground__ @ivegotyourback911 #challengecoin #firstresponders #firefighters #police #paramedics #military (at Guelph, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Lm2lqnkHO/?igshid=1r2014hakqaby

[lifevoicecanada]

In first responder culture there is a tradition of exchanging challenge coins. Challenge coins represent a life-saving symbol. The history goes that during the war there was a soldier who was held captive. He escaped with nothing on his body but a pouch that held a unique coin from his platoon. His country caught him but didn't know if he was friend or foe. What saved his life was the unique coin they found in his pouch. Today these coins are used around the world to build solidarity and honour those on the front lines doing life saving work. During 9-11 firefighters and other first responders exchanged coins with one another. And used them as point of connection. Growing up with a parent who was a police officer exchanging badges was the thing. But in my wallet are now two shiny challenge coins that I hold in high regard. The first, Deputy Chief Rob Martin's personal coin, was gifted to me during an ASIST workshop for the Kitchener Fire Department. It was given as a symbol of solidarity, of being welcomed into the fold, because "we're in this life saving work together." It's a jeep sake I now carry with me always. .. Do you have a challenge coin? Or many? We'd love to hear the history of yours. Or tag us in a photo of your unique challenge coin. .. Stay tuned for our next post where we'll share the other challenge coin we carry. .. #challengecoins #challengecoin #firstresponders #firefighters #asist #lifesavers #suicideprevention #humanshelpinghumans (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5LRp_gHpMv/?igshid=u6e7g8s7rayx

[lifevoicecanada]

What does mental health have to do with physical health? And how did I end up being invited to talk about suicide with the students of Kinesiology and Physical Health at @wilfridlaurieruni ? Our mental health and physical health are intertwined. And it's encouraging that mental health and suicide are intentional topics in this classroom. It's problematic when, as a culture, we have kept mental health in a silo that never intersects with conversations around physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Each of these elements is interconnected and intertwined with our mental wellbeing. For example, some physical contributing factors can be a person's vitamin B levels. Are they too low. There was one girl who experienced thoughts of suicide for 3 years before her medical team finally discovered she has a rare liver condition: a side effect of which was suicidal ideation. And those are just two examples of that interconnectedness. This class of 120 students asked some valuable questions which we will soon put into a blog post (perhaps more than one,) so others can benefit from the learnings that came from today. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. In the meantime, if you're a student know your resources. That can look like a crisis resource for post-secondary students called Good2Talk: dial 2-1-1 to be connected. Or your campus Counselling centre. The student health and wellness centre. Resident Dons are often trained in ASIST, which means they know how to do safety planning. Resources can also look like anything that makes life worth living. Bubble tea. Hanging out with a friend. Snuggling a pet. Hiking in nature. Creating art. Journaling. Whatever is life-sustaining for you. .. #humanshelpinghumans #universitylife @yourstudentsunion @laurierintl_waterloo @wluscs @laurierfootball @laurierhockey @laurierreswloo @wluathletics @lauriermensrugby @yourstudentsunion #kinesiology #physed #suicideprevention (at Wilfrid Laurier University) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5IxWWunyQ-/?igshid=5a53jzbvhfv2

[lifevoicecanada]

Last year I met a firefighter who had never once responded to a suicide call where someone survived. Imagine how that lived experience can shape an individual's perspective. 'Persons with thoughts of suicide CAN'T be helped.' My perspective differs. It's based on what I'm exposed to. I have done dozens of suicide interventions, both planned and spontaneous. Of those dozens, to my knowledge every single person is still ALIVE! Imagine how that has shaped my perspective. 'Persons with thoughts of suicide CAN be helped.' The value in coming together as a community to talk about suicide is we can listen and learn from one another's unique lived experience. How have stories shaped how hopeful or hopeless you feel about persons with thoughts of suicide? Do we realize the impact a suicide can have on our front line workers, in addition to friends and family? Do we tell the stories of those who lived often enough so we can understand how and why? Kevin Hines: @kevinhinesstory creator of the documentary Suicide: The Ripple Effect does a great job of doing both. Search "Kevin Hines" for lots of great interviews about his lived experience with suicide and why he choose life. Thank you to our firefighters for sharing stories with me. We learn from each other. And I'm grateful for every one of you. #hope #suicideprevention #ontheshouldersofgiants #firefighters @dc_rmartin @bootsontheground__ (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5IOKOfnmxx/?igshid=fcocllwn7j90

[lifevoicecanada]

"Should we talk to kids about suicide?" Firefighters, like many others, want to know what's helpful or unhelpful for kids who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. "Yes. We should have thoughtful conversations with our kids about suicide. You're not going to put the idea in their head by asking about suicide. And, we have an opportunity to let them know if they're having thoughts of suicide, or do in the future, they can talk to us. Otherwise, kids talk to kids." Just like a proactive approach to fire safety (does everyone know where the exits are? Are there fire alarms, CO monitors, and fire extinguishers on every floor? Is there a designated meeting place in case of emergency?) we have an opportunity to have proactive conversations with our families. What's helpful for them in a moment of crisis? Who do they feel safe talking to? Are they aware of crisis lines like @kidshelpphone ?What activities can they do that make life feel it's worth living? What coping strategies can they learn, or already know, that can help ground them? Don't wait for a crisis to happen. Follow the fire safety approach. What can you do proactively today to stay safe from thoughts of suicide that may happen in the future? We'd love to hear your proactive ideas below. Have you already started this dialogue in your family? What does safety look like for you? .. @dc_rmartin @bootsontheground__ #firefighters (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5AyubKH7YQ/?igshid=10kp6qsnqv9k2

[lifevoicecanada]

We had a bit o' fun today after the morning #SafeTALK session at the Kitchener Fire Department. Congrats to cohort #7. Your efforts today were admirable. Here is a crew who showed up ready to learn some life-saving skills today. Well done everyone!!! .. @dc_rmartin #firefighters #kfd (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B45_pJYHfxq/?igshid=uljod3kk028o

[lifevoicecanada]

We're back this week running more #SafeTALK workshops at the Kitchener Fire Department. Here's a group who's not afraid to share resources and encourage them for others. Here's a group who sees the wisdom of using supports and being a support for others. These are the game changers who have started the work of shifting first responder culture towards a culture that seeks its own support and welcomes mental health dialogue. Courage. Heart. Strength. That's what showed up today. .. #suicideprevention #safeTALK @dc_rmartin #ontheshouldersofgiants #ivegotyourback911 #firefighters (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B45Qs9HHgUy/?igshid=1nw8aolni3yqf

[lifevoicecanada]

Spent the weekend at @campwidow because, well, incase you didn't know I'M a WIDOW. I love what the keynote speaker, Lesley (aka the "Black Widow" - look up her book by the same title) said about things not happening for a reason (which feels pretty BS when your loved one dies by suicide, or murder, or a preventable accident, etc,) but instead "because my loved one died..." Because my loved one died I attend Camp Widow. Which is not a camp at all (by the way.) It takes place at the Marriott Hotel downtown #Toronto every year. Because my husband died I am a presenter at Camp Widow. Because my husband died by suicide and, at the time I didn't think to ask him about suicide, I now spend my life talking primarily about suicide and making it okay for others to do the same. At Camp Widow we (the collective "we") have experienced loss of all sorts. We have been told both helpful and harmful things. We have had to find our way down a road we never would have chosen, and at the same time are incredibly grateful we don't walk alone. At Camp Widow we represent all age groups from people in their 20's to their 80's. It's a come-as-you-are-space. 8 years in I'm grateful I've found my people. The people who get widowhood without me needing to say a word. The people who make it okay to come as a hot mess or the laugh of the party. People who share their wisdom and humour @kelleyiskelley who wrote #myhusbandisnotarainbow and @a2zhealingtoolbox and the @soaringspiritsint Resilience Hacks for #Widowed people card deck. Then there were speakers like me. I spoke on Guarded Vulnerability. It's an oxymoron. I know. That's pretty much my life. But if you want to know what it is read the group poem we created. There is most certainly #strengthinvulnerability. From the Great Gatsby ball to the side convos to the blow up doll, to the self-care essential oils hideaway, Camp Widow gets us. Because it was created by one of us. I'm privileged to have been a speaker here for the past 4 years and hope that will continue for many more. I wouldn't wish widowhood on anyone. And, I love my widowed friends. You are stardust. You are air. We are we. #longlivelove ~ Shawna Percy (at Marriott Downtown CF Eaton Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tTq8bHEPA/?igshid=db2tja5q7vnq

[lifevoicecanada]

"A problem shared is a problem halved." This was shared by one of the #SafeTALK participants at the Kitchener Fire Department. What a nugget of wisdom! Really, so much relief can be gained when we start talking about what we're really going through. In SafeTALK we focus on raising our awareness that someone might be experiencing thoughts of suicide, how to ask about suicide, LISTEN (even if we only have a short time make it QUALITY time,) and then how to connect the person with someone who can keep them safe, often by working with them to develop a safePlan. .. Congratulations to this third cohort. Thanks for sharing your wisdom in the room. .. @dc_rmartin #humanshelpinghumans #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #ivegotyourback911 #firefighters (at Kitchener, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4j_rf9nhC1/?igshid=jtr3l538g70f