Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention
Tuesday 2nd July 2024
Join Drs. Petersen and Cook with guest Ray Sweet as they explore suicide prevention strategies for those with substance use disorders.
Explicit
59 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Eye-opening
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
97 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Crafting Hope: Tackling Suicide Prevention in Addiction
Episode Overview
- Crafting can be an effective coping strategy for suicidal thoughts.
- People with substance use disorders are at a higher risk of suicide.
- Strong social connections can serve as protective factors.
- The zero suicide framework involves everyone in healthcare in prevention efforts.
- Regular screening for suicidal thoughts is crucial in medical encounters.
The worst thing I could do for my mental health right now is go into a room, be stripped of my clothes and be left alone for six hours
In this episode of 'The Addiction Files', Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook sit down with Ray Sweet, MS, to discuss the urgent issue of suicide prevention among those with substance use disorders. Ray, who uses they/them pronouns and identifies as non-binary and transgender, brings a wealth of experience both professionally and personally.
With a background in social policy and a focus on youth development, Ray shares their unique perspective on how crafting and other tactile activities can serve as effective coping strategies for those battling suicidal thoughts. The conversation kicks off with an intriguing discussion about the use of crafting as a form of suicide prevention. Ray highlights how activities like embroidery have historical significance in mental health treatment and can offer a mindful way to manage distress.
The episode then shifts to more sobering statistics, revealing that people with substance use disorders are significantly more likely to die by suicide. Ray and the hosts explore the 'suicide belt' in the Intermountain West, where high suicide rates are linked to factors like rural isolation and easy access to firearms. They also discuss the importance of protective factors such as strong social connections and coping skills.
Ray emphasises the need for healthcare systems to adopt the zero suicide framework, which involves everyone from doctors to front desk staff in suicide prevention efforts. The episode is packed with practical advice, from the benefits of having a trusted adult in a young person's life to the importance of screening for suicidal thoughts during every medical encounter.
Ray's insights into the intersection of substance use and mental health issues make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in addiction medicine or mental health care. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that blends professional expertise with personal experience to tackle one of the most pressing issues in addiction medicine today.