“Connecting Communities to Save Lives” Conference comes to Idaho State University during National Suicide Prevention Month

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Idaho State University took part by hosting the "Connecting Communities to Save Lives" Conference at the Pond Student Union Building. Experts from around the country came to speak to attendees about a variety of suicide prevention strategies and local mental health resources were available at various booths in the ballroom.

Idaho is ranked 48th in the nation for mental health resources and comes in with one of the highest suicide rates. Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, psychologist and speaker at the conference, says the western mountain states consistently have higher suicide rates, connected to rural community lonliness and firearm access.

Spencer-Thomas said the point of conferences like "Connecting Communities to Save Lives" are to help people understand the role they play in preventing suicide. She said everyone has a role and connecting with fellow community members who have been affected by suicide can help people feel less alone.

"It's very inspiring and rewarding to see people pull together and use the resources that they have to make a difference," Spencer-Thomas said. "One of the best resources we have is being present with one another and listening to one another and thinking creatively about what we can do with the resources we have."

The conference doesn't only focus on individual help, rather gives strategies for schools, workplaces, rural communities and other entities about how they can best manage with fewer mental health resources available. Having the event at Idaho State University provides an opportunity for the leaders and speakers to acknowledge the student population, unique to hosting conferences on a university campus.

"There's a lot of stress and a lot going on in college and there's a bit more freedom," Spencer-Thomas said. "A little more permission to talk openly and honestly about what's going on with mental health, so people can really gain their voice here."

She added master's students along with undergraduates in mental health, social work and psychology programs attended the event as well as future business leaders and educators. When attendees come from a variety of programs and backgrounds, it represents the role everyone can play in the fight against suicide.

Spencer-Thomas said there has been significant damage already done in the space of suicide prevention, including isolation and restraint. Here, at events filled with togetherness, hope and conversation, she hopes to pave the new path forward in mental health.

"My message is that we can help. We can help people find pathways back into recovery, together," Spencer-Thomas said. "If we leave it all to the mental health providers, we're not going to get in front of this, it's too downstream. There's not enough mental health providers."

One of the biggest misconceptions about suicide prevention is the only people who can help are licensed and qualified professionals. With that narrative and the frightening stigma around suicide, Spencer-Thomas said general people believe helping is outside their realm of qualifications.

"I hear all the time people say they're not qualified, and I say, 'are you qualified to listen?'" Spencer-Thomas said. "That's a lot of it. Specialists aren't the only ones who play a role. When people know they're worthy, and loveable, and you just sit with them, that's how they know they're not alone."

She said people don't even need to talk anyone out of their pain. Being present is what matters most.

Throughout Suicide Prevention Month, organizations can do things to be involved. Even if it means slipping a bit in the script for a workplace meeting to create awareness, or as Spencer-Thomas puts it, "putting it in our toolbox to have during crisis," there are simple ways to ensure everyone plays their role in the mental health awareness battle.

Checking in on one another, offering to help with childcare, carrying groceries, completing paperwork in the workplace and offering support during hard times for friends and loved ones are several examples from today's event about getting involved.

"There's a sense of this is what communities do when we're working well together, when we come together for our losses, link arms and make change," Spencer-Thomas said. "We cheer people on when they're in recovery and it's just a really cool thing."

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 988 for help.