City of New Orleans Health Department’s Post

Let’s talk about trauma in the Shelter System and Encampments. Most of us living in stable housing rarely experience trauma and violence in our own living spaces. We are not constantly exposed to traumatic events such as people dying, extreme verbal agression, being threatened with physical violence, open substance use, or constant theft of our belongings. In part, fear of these types of traumatic events triggers concern and anger when we see encampments in our neighborhoods, or that a shelter will be opening near us. In Shelters and Encampments, exposure to trauma is a daily event. Now, imagine witnessing trauma every single day for a year or longer. A British Columbia study of a group of chronically houseless individuals found that over 75% of the individuals in the study would meet the DSM-5 criteria for a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The trauma of losing my home, my belongings, my family, my schooling, and my future was already a challenge for me to manage with what little coping skills I had. I continued to experience daily trauma the entire 3 years I was houseless, both in shelters and on the streets. When I reached out for help, there was none to be had. I was not made “better” by the Shelter System. I was made more unwell, more undesirable to society, and more incapacitated by a system that refused to hear me screaming in pain and agony. This is why Shelters and Encampments are a hurtful stop-gap measure. They make us more unhealthy, more unwell, and less able to trust others, even those who want to help us. We need better solutions. #NothingForUsWithoutUs #Houselessness #Homelessness #HousingCrisis

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At Hogrefe we want to celebrate the progress made to end this crisis and honor those tirelessly working for change. Raising awareness about its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities is crucial, as is recognizing the ongoing need for action. A recent article, “Suicide Rates in High-Risk High Harm Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse in England and Wales” by Knipe et al., published in "Crisis – The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention", investigates the link between high levels of mental illness in domestic abuse perpetrators and their elevated suicide rates. Often deemed unworthy of treatment or support, providing access to mental health care could alter their behavior and reduce risks for victims. While further research across a broader sample is needed, this connection has been established for future study. 📰 Read the complete article, https://lnkd.in/eGK-R8_W #HogrefeUS #DomesticViolence

In 2020, Congress enacted an inaugural, three-digit dialing code for people in crisis to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline is widely regarded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as a first step towards a transformed crisis care system in America. Since it’s initiation, 988 has received over 23 million calls and counting from people in distress seeking support. Call volume is affected by many factors, including a growing public awareness around suicide prevention and widespread community events like AFSP's Out of Darkness walks and marches. As September is Suicide Prevention Month, we’re taking the opportunity to raise awareness, spread hope, and share important information to ensure individuals, friends, and families have the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. If you are in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741-741. #SuicidePreventionMonth #988Lifeline #YouAreNotAlone

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay highlights the mental health struggles faced by officers and the importance of taking action to prevent tragic outcomes. Prioritizing mental health, breaking stigmas, and providing access to resources can help protect those who protect us. Mental health is as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it is crucial to focus on a group that is often under immense stress—police officers. These individuals are tasked with protecting the public, but their own mental health is frequently overlooked. The challenges they face daily can lead to significant mental health struggles, making suicide prevention efforts within this community a critical concern. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund remains committed to eliminating officer suicides and removing any obstacles to officer wellness through high quality programming, education, and outreach to our nations law enforcement partners. Americas law enforcement officers deserve the highest level of respect and support, and the NLEOMF will continue to endeavor our tireless efforts to bring resources to the exceptional men and women in blue who keep our county safe.

Trauma from domestic violence affects not only children but their entire family systems. At Be Centre, we know that true healing requires a wholistic approach, which is why we offer free counselling to every child’s family as part of their therapeutic journey. Trauma can deeply impact a child's brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior. This is where Play Therapy steps in, providing children with a safe space to express and process difficult emotions through play. Some may perceive Play Therapy as “just playing,” but neuroscience tells a different story. Play Therapy is grounded in evidence that shows how play helps children regulate emotions, improve cognitive functions, and rebuild trust after trauma. At Be Centre, we help children develop new ways to express themselves, making sense of their experiences and promoting long-term emotional healing. By offering counselling to families, we empower parents and caregivers with tools to better support their children at home, creating a healthier environment for everyone involved. This comprehensive support system is crucial for helping children overcome the effects of trauma and thrive. ** For business leaders seeking to invest in impactful, science-based interventions, supporting Play Therapy is investing in the future mental wellbeing of our children and - future adults!** Read more below.

🚨 TW: Suicide 🚨 People suffering from suicidal ideations can look happy and carefree. They can socialise and be the life of the party. They can also seem to be excelling at work and making plans for the future. The important thing to remember is that this is all outward. So when you are checking in with your loved ones, don't forget to check in with those who are "doing well." They deserve support and life as much as anyone else. If you need to talk to someone yourself but don't know where to start, we recommend these helplines: 🧠 Mind: 0300 123 3393 💬 Samaritans: 116 123 🙏 The Calm Zone: 0800 58 58 58 🖤 Cruse Bereavement: 0808 808 1677 💡 NHS: 111 #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #suicideprevention #suicideawareness via @spreadloveproject

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about this critical public health issue. With over 48,000+ lives lost to suicide each year in the United States, it is vital to understand that suicide is often preventable through education, community support, and access to resources. This September, let’s honor those lost to suicide by taking action to prevent future tragedies. By raising awareness, promoting education, ensuring access to support, and engaging the community, we can work together to save lives. Remember, if you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available through resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Read more - https://lnkd.in/gSp43zEv Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) #suicideawareness #mentalhealth #crisis #healthcare

Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day, the theme this year is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” – aiming to raise awareness about the importance of reducing the stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide held its conference today, “Change the Narrative”. The conference supports the aim to raise awareness, change the way we talk about mental health and suicide, promote understanding and compassion while providing valuable insights into prevention strategies. Ward is proud to be a Founding Gold Partner with the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide, and together we stand and commit to helping make a difference. Only 45% of people are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts - today is about changing this and helping people speak more openly about suicide. Through education, community support and advocacy, we can help make a change. #WSPD #MentalHealthMatters #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Today, 10th of September, is observed worldwide as the World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a day when we remind ourselves of our duty to prevent suicides. It is also a day to raise awareness that we can do this together. All we need to do is to be vigilant and focus our efforts on directing treatment to those who need it the most. Also, remember those affected by suicide. 🙏🏻 As a community, we need to support those impacted by suicide by addressing the needs of survivors, whether they are family, friends, or communities. This way, we can help prevent the ripple effects of trauma that can lead to further loss. "Start the conversation""Changing the Narrative on Suicide" #suicidepreventionday #suicideawareness  #mentalhealth #communityservice  #loveforpeople #alllivesmatter

A sombre Sunday. The events in Bondi Junction yesterday were deeply tragic, leaving our community grappling with the shock and sadness of the senseless violence that took lives and critically injured others. In moments of crisis, heroism emerges in unexpected ways. We witnessed incredible acts of bravery from the lone Police officer and also from bystanders, demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership. These actions highlight the strength and resilience inherent in the human spirit. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the psychological impact on loved ones of individuals who have tragically passed away, those who have been injured and those who witnessed the attack, including the broader community. Traumatic events like this can leave lasting emotional scars, affecting mental health and wellbeing. As professionals and community members, it is important to come together to offer psychological support and resources to those affected. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for violence prevention and community safety measures. Working collectively to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to such violence and create a society where everyone feels safe and valued is critical. Let's remember the lives lost, support those who are grieving, and commit to fostering a community built on compassion, understanding, and psychological resilience. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP PLEASE CALL: ❤️1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 ❤️Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 ❤️Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 ❤️Mensline: 1300 789 978 ❤️Lifeline (24 hours): 131 114 #BondiJunction #ViolencePrevention #CommunitySupport #Heroism #TraumaAwareness #PsychologicalResilience