After Star Soccer Player’s Suicide, Stanford Acknowledges It Has a Suicide ProblemSFist
March 10, 2022
Katie Meyer, Stanford University’s Women’s Soccer Goalie died by suicide earlier this month. Stanford has experienced a number of student suicides in the past 13 months, and, following Meyer’s death, the university has acknowledged the issue and have “begun recruitment for additional permanent clinical counseling and therapy positions,” and are “convening experts to consider what measures would be helpful beyond clinical support.”

Mobile apps for suicide prevention: What’s the evidence?EurekAlert!
March 10, 2022
A new study into the efficacy of mobile apps for suicide prevention has been released, noting that more research is needed to establish effectiveness. However, it was found that apps based on an approach called ‘ecological momentary intervention (EMI)’ may be useful tools for clinicians to manage a patient’s suicide risk. Safety planning apps were the most common among those offering EMI. The study concludes, “The constant advance of technology leads us to believe in the great potential for [mobile health] interventions to contribute to the field of mental health. And mobile applications, with their ability to serve as an uninterrupted tool for crisis response, represent a promising field of action for suicide-prevention efforts.”

NZ study confirms alcohol abuse link to suicide riskOtago Daily Times
March 10, 2022
A new study has found that alcohol dependence significantly increases the risk of suicidal ideation in adults. Study lead Dr. Rose Crossin said that after controlling for variables such as trauma, mental health issues, and physical abuse, it was found that suicide ideation was 50% higher in adults who were dependent on alcohol. Crossin would like to see measures to address alcohol use included in New Zealand’s national suicide prevention strategy, “The World Health Organisation highlights harmful drinking as a significant contributor to suicide, yet our national suicide prevention strategy does not specifically target this risk factor and has zero alcohol-related interventions. This study should be further cause for alarm at government level, that strong action is now needed to reduce alcohol-related harm, notably suicidal risk, at both a population and individual level.”

DC police officer’s suicide days after Capitol attack declared line-of-duty death after months-long fight by widowCNN
March 9, 2022
**Content warning – This article details method of suicide** Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey Smith died by suicide just days after performing his duties at the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. His widow, Erin Smith, has been working to have his death recognized as a ‘death in the line of duty.’ Washington’s Police and Firefighters’ Retirement and Relief Board ruled in her favour last week, finding that Smith, “sustained a personal injury on January 6, 2021, while performing his duties and that his injury was the sole and direct cause of his death.” Smith’s widow is now entitled to survivor’s benefits, and her attorney David P. Weber said, “Officer Smith’s widow is overwhelmed, because she knows this is going to help so many future families. Erin Smith calls for her husband to now be entitled to the ceremony and honor to which a fallen hero and his family is entitled.”

‘Please stop this’: Protesters call for accountability in Kroger employee’s suicideCincinnati Enquirer
March 9, 2022
Evan Seyfried, former employee of Kroger, an American grocery store chain, died by suicide after he experienced workplace harassment. Now his family members have filed a lawsuit against Kroger, saying the harassment played a role in his suicide. Seyfried was trying to help his co-workers, who were being sexually harassed by the manager of the store he worked at. Seyfried’s partner Amy Chamberlin says she believes that’s why he was targeted by harassment, which included stalking, name calling, and being sexually harassed. “He was trying to make it a better place to work,” she said. “He was just very kind and caring.”

Providing more access to suicide prevention supportsGovernment of Alberta
March 9, 2022
As part of their Youth Suicide Prevention Plan, the Government of Alberta has announced a total of $3 million in funding for a youth suicide prevention grant program, which is accepting applications until April 8. Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services said, “As young people continue to navigate the unique challenges caused by the pandemic, it is more important than ever that they feel heard, valued and supported. This funding will help youth community organizations continue to do the important work of supporting the mental health of at-risk young adults.” Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions emphasized the need for recovery-oriented supports, “This new support for youth suicide prevention will support more youth to recover and improve their mental wellness.”

Experts join forces to create first-of-its-kind Blueprint for Youth Suicide PreventionAAP News
March 7, 2022
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have released a new resource for pediatric health clinicians, the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention. The document was also done in collaboration with experts from the National Institute of Mental Health. Three key youth suicide prevention strategies are identified in the document: universal screening for suicide risk in youth 12 and older, use of a brief suicide safety assessment for those who screen positive, and the identification of next steps based on the patient’s level of risk, including safety planning and connection to resources.
Related – Pediatricians Seek Universal Suicide Risk Screening for Adolescents and Young AdultsPew Research

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