Last Weeks Training

Last week I attended a two day seminar on ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training...

Probably one of the best seminars I've ever attended. I work in an escalation department and have been on the phone with suicidal client's in the past and it is very scary and very upsetting.

It was a really packed two days of learning but they sure changed my perspective on alot of things. There are alot of stigmas or taboos when it comes to suicide and I found they opened my eyes BIG time.

One of the biggest things that several of us had trouble overcoming was talking about death... acknowledging the fact the person wants to die and allowing them to outline their suicide plan. That seemed crazy at first but later on as we watched movies and participated in simulations it all came together.

I didn't think I'd ever feel confident talking to someone about suicide but I now feel confident talking about it but also feel as though I may have the tools to help someone out. I don't by any stretch think I'm a miracle worker but certainly a whole lot more prepared.

Good for you Dominica, most of us dont talk amongst ourselves when our minds are strong and healthy about death and how we want to pass on........never mind when we are so far from feeling capable of anything and in despair.

I did this course too - but many moons ago. Unfortunately it wasn't offered until my friend took his own life at work. THEN they decided to educate us all. I talk about death and it makes many people uncomfortable but in my mind it's part of life. I have raised Kayla to also acknowledge death and I know it freaks alot of the other parents out when she mentions death in the same way she would anything else.

Here's a funny story ...

Almost 5 years ago our golden retriever died of cancer. We were lucky to have some really nice pictures taken on the same day that she died. These pictures (with Kayla) are hung in our livingroom so Kayla isn't afraid to talk about the dog's death. It's just a part of her life. We had the dog cremated but I haven't buried the ashes yet (still not ready to part with her I guess). So she is in a plastic box, wrapped in plain brown paper. And YES, it is my dog's remains, NOT porno! A few months ago we were moving stuff from the cabin to the house and the dog's ashes were one of the things being moved. Kayla's friend was over and he asked what the package was. Kayla said, "that's Kashin. She died of cancer so we had her burned and put in this box. Some day we will bury her but not until we find the special spot". The poor kid looked EXTREMELY confused. His parents are a little more conservative than I am in what they discuss with their boys. After I heard the conversation I had to call his mom and tell her what had happened. I had visions of him going home and telling his folks that we kill dogs, burn them up and then put them into boxes wrapped in plain brown paper.

But back to suicide ... if anyone ever has the opportunity to take any training regarding suicide I would highly recommend it. You just never know when you may have to deal with it.

Tammy , Greg and I buried our cat and dog just last week, the both were cremated and have been gone 10 yrs and six years.. the burial felt like we just lost them all over again.. both of us stood there and cried.. ummm things you do are not so different from others.. interesting

wish some courses like that would be openly offered sort of like CPR or first aid courses, you'd be surprised at how many people have "suicide" type thoughts or have thought of it at one time or another. Talking and letting someone talk it through makes perfect sense, sometimes just getting it talked out could be very helpful. We've always taught our kids about death as being a very real fact of life (somewhat easier due to our beliefs, old fashioned Baptist) but also just because living on a farm birth and death is part of the cycle of life.
Hope you never have to use your training but good to know you're somewhat prepared.