I’ve been thinking about all of the tragedy we’ve witnessed in the past few weeks, all of the dissension in our country, and it disturbs me deeply.
If you’re like me, it can be hard to focus on the good, the difference organizations like Davidson LifeLine make in a community. At least that’s how I was feeling in our monthly Davidson LifeLine Advisory Board meeting. So I asked the group, particularly the mental health professionals and leaders in the group. Joanne Sobolewski, Director of Clinical Services at Atrium Health’s Behavioral Health Davidson, reminded us of how we’ve specifically connected individuals to care in our community. Whether directly to Atrium Health’s Behavioral Health Emergency Department, a mental health professional, or being available to talk, there are many examples of those who’ve benefited from our work. Tom Gettelman, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer and Director of Admissions at HopeWay, focused on the need to talk about mental health and suicide and that Davidson LifeLine’s provided a platform for that over and over.Talking about feelings of depression and anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts, lets people know they’re not alone and there’s help available.
Diana Merrifield reminded us of an occasion at UNCC where a Hough High graduate likely saved the life of his roommate because he used the skills of QPR (Question-Persuade-Refer) he’d learned in 9th grade health class.
Joanne, Tom, and Diana are, of course, right. And deep down I know that but sometimes we need a boost. So keep talking. Every time we talk about mental health, mental illness, we knock stigma just a bit more. Every time we notice someone may be experiencing a mental health challenge and ask, “are you ok?” it provides space for hope and for help.
Davidson LifeLine partners with Atrium Health to provide Mental Health First Aid, an 8 hour training designed to help people identify the signs, symptoms, and behaviors of someone who may be developing a mental health challenge or substance use disorder. More than 90% of people who take the class feel more likely to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge. On June 18, join us at Town Hall for this class. Be prepared to help.
Question-Persuade- Refer (QPR) is a 90 minute class that provides tools for interacting with someone who is considering suicide. So far, Davidson LifeLine’s taught more than 4100 these skills, including high school students at Hough High, Lake Norman Charter, Davidson Day, Pine Lake Prep, Community School of Davidson, and Cannon School.