Can We Talk? The Cross-Cultural Taboo of Suicide

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*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.

Target Audience

Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, and other health care professionals that work with impoverished populations.

Description

Suicide is a rising concern of the World Health Organization, yet many healthcare professionals and community-based organizations refrain from discussing the topic, further contributing to the problem. Shame and guilt plague loved ones left behind after a suicide and the topic becomes “taboo”, avoided at all costs. Many health professionals harbor unaddressed fears of managing suicidality, yet oftentimes they are sought after for counsel and support. Talking about suicide doesn’t “plant the seed” but offers relief to those affected, providing an emotional outlet for healing and hope. This workshop seeks to enhance the understanding participants have of suicide and how cultural taboos impact grief and suffering. Participants will explore universally accepted risk and protective factors, signs and symptoms, as well as best practices for supporting individuals managing suicidal thoughts or those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Unique populations, such as cancer patients, refugees, veterans, LGBTQ, and youth will be highlighted in this discussion for optimal awareness and understanding of suicidality and effective interventions. Participants will have an opportunity to practice supportive dialogue techniques and learn about specialized resources in our local community for ongoing counseling. Finally, resources and future research topics will be included. Participants will walk away with a greater awareness of the prevalence of suicide among these unique populations, the impact of grief on survivors of suicide, and best practices in the prevention and intervention of suicidality within healthcare and community-based settings. The ultimate hope of this workshop is to generate healthy conversations to prevent suicide.

Speaker
Kathryn R. Falbo-Woodson, MSW / LCSWA

Objectives

• Explore the dynamics of mental health and suicide with vulnerable populations, including cancer patients, refugees, LGBTQ, veterans, and teens
• Define universally accepted beliefs about causes of suicide (i.e., prevalence, risk & protective factors, etc.)
• Recognize the traumatic, trans-generational impact of suicide on individuals, families, groups, and communities
• Address disenfranchised grief for suicide survivors
• Outline the resources and programs actively addressing suicide in the U.S., as well as future research
• Empower participants to recognize suicidality and employ best practices for intervention in clinical or community-based settings

Contact

Paulina Crass BA, CSSGB

Sessions