Suicide Prevention Training
In 2018, General Convention passed resolution 2018-C014, which recognized that "clergy and adults who work with youth are often on the frontlines of suicide prevention" and resolved that "the institutions and diocesan programs that educate Priests and Deacons be encouraged to offer four (4) hours of suicide prevention education…”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit:
- Anxiety Disorders have risen 3X compared to 2019 (from 8.1% to 25.5%)
- Depression has risen 4X compared to 2019 (from 6.5% to 24.3%)
- Suicide ideation has risen 2X since 2019 (from 4.3% to 10.7%)
- Mental health conditions are disproportionately affecting specific populations, especially young adults, Hispanic/Latino persons, black persons, essential workers, unpaid caregivers for adults, and those receiving treatment for preexisting psychiatric conditions.
The Episcopal Church’s Department of Faith Formation, in consultation with a multi-disciplinary working group, has partnered with LivingWorks to offer the 90-minute Start program FREE of charge to individuals in ministry in our highest risk communities (youth, young adults, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, veterans). This training is being offered as an introductory course, a quick-start intended to help participants recognize when a person is considering suicide and take quick action to get them help and support. Our hope is that this course will spark conversation and consideration about ways communities can go deeper to contextualize the learnings and begin to address issues that may be underlying increasing mental health conditions and suicidal ideation.
Episcopal Church leaders working with these high risk communities are invited to register for this free training using this link: https://dfms.formstack.
Additional resources and courses on suicide prevention and mental health first aid are available here: https://episcopalchurch.
Thanks to Heather Barta, Province V Coordinator, for sharing this information.
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