SUNDAYS WITH SHAVEL
SUNDAYS WITH SHAVEL
Episode 5: Talking Suicide Prevention with Kattina D. Bryant
Ever wondered why suicide prevention awareness is necessary? Did you know that social workers play an instrumental role in preventing suicide deaths? Do you know a social worker in suicide prevention practice? In this episode, an overview on the national strategy to prevent suicide is offered along with a few facts about suicide deaths in the United States. Licensed clinical social worker, Kattina D. Bryant, joins the show to discuss her journey to become a suicide prevention practitioner, some practice strategies, challenges, as well as some highly favored resources regularly used in practice. Listen for insights and advice to support your journey to becoming a suicide prevention practitioner or to save a person in crisis. Enjoy the show!
*This episode including the featured interview were previously recorded in September 2021.
Helpful Resources
Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Toolkit: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/asq-toolkit-materials
Better Ways to Prevent Suicide: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/07-08/cover-prevent-suicide
Brief History of Suicide Prevention in the United States: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109918/
How Social Workers Can Play a Role in Suicide Prevention: https://www.socialworkdegreecenter.com/study/suicide-prevention-social-work/
How to Increase the Role of Social Workers in Suicide Prevention Interventions: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/acta-neuropsychiatrica/article/abs/how-to-increase-the-role-of-social-workers-in-suicide-preventive-interventions/442EF9D9C447EB9B3233A0643F15504D
Reviewing Suicide Prevention Skills: https://www.socialworktoday.com/news/enews_1016_1.shtml
Suicide Prevention is Every Social Worker’s Business: https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/JF19p10.shtml
Suicide and Suicide Prevention – PSYCOM: https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.suicide.html
Suicide Prevention is Possible – SAVE: https://save.org/about-suicide/preventing-suicide/
Suicide Prevention Resource Center: https://www.sprc.org/training
The CAMS Framework (suicide prevention training): https://cams-care.com/
The Columbia Lighthouse Project –Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale: https://cssrs.columbia.edu/
What to do when someone is suicidal: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/in-depth/suicide/art-20044707
Credits
Host: Dr. Sherece Shavel
Theme Narration: Ronald Coaxum
Guest: Kattina D. Bryant, LCSW, contact by phone & email: 865-221-7399; bkattina@yahoo.com
Do you have a question you want answered in a future show? Do you have topic ideas or feedback to support creation of future shows? Would you like to be a guest?
Connect with me through email. Send messages to: ssinspiredcast@gmail.com
[inaudible]
Speaker 2:Welcome to Sundays with Chevelle, uh, social work inspired podcast with creator and host Dr. Shariece Chevelle. This is a bi-monthly show where each episode aims to inspire topics relevant to social work practice, growing forward, living on purpose and so much more. Thank you for tuning in. Enjoy the show.
Speaker 3:Hello, Sunday listeners. This is your host, Dr. Shariece Chevelle. Thank you so much for tuning in and welcome to episode five, talking suicide prevention, ladies and gentlemen, a few days ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of my social work colleagues to talk about the issue of suicide and the work of suicide prevention hearing about her experiences and her perspectives was not only insightful, but also valuable for me personally. But before getting to this interview, I have a question. Have you ever wondered why suicide prevention is necessary? I never wondered that really my own personal experience around this issue during the earlier years of my life made the necessity of prevention quite clear to me. However, I often wonder if other people knew why suicide prevention was necessary. Thinking back to my earlier days, the issue of suicide was considered not much of an issue at all. Really. It was considered more like taboo contrary to the very nature of the people in my community. And if there was an issue or if there was an occurrence, there was no conversation about it. And when there was an occurrence, there was question as to whether that person was quote unquote part of us, because quote unquote, we don't do that. The thinking and attitudes of yesteryear have long since been debunked. And we know that there is no respect of person when it comes to suicide, meaning it is not an issue for just any one community. It's not an issue for anyone ethnicity or age or gender, et cetera. The experience of mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges is an issue of human con. No matter your variety of likeness, just by virtue of you being a human being, it's an issue. We are all subject to these challenges and as well, subject to being impacted by those in our community, experiencing these challenges just by virtue of being human. For that reason alone suicide prevention is necessary. The history of social efforts towards suicide prevention in the United States is understood to have as beginning in the 1950s. And this is according to a report published by the United States surgeon general and the national action Alliance for suicide prevention. The first suicide prevention center was established in Los Angeles, California in 1958 in 1983, the centers for disease control and prevention put a spotlight on youth suicide with the creation of a violence prevention unit. And this prompted the United States department of health and human services to establish a task force on youth suicide, which published prevention recommendations in 1989. The national organization for people of color against suicide was established in 1998. The national suicide prevention lifeline was established in 2001 by the substance abuse and mental health services administration also known as SAMHSA. This was followed by two key federal policy initiatives, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial act in 2004 and the Joshua on big veterans suicide prevention act in 2007. The national lines of suicide prevention was established in 2010. And the national strategy for suicide prevention was revised in 2012. There were foundations such as life keeper and the Jason foundation that were founded as well as other notable initiatives. The point that I'm making is that the degree of effort made and is being made today to prevent suicide deaths supports this notion that suicide prevention is necessary. Now, this is a small snapshot regarding the efforts taken to tackle this issue of suicide in the United States, since the 1950s, so much more has been done and so much more is being done today. But moving farther to evidence, the available reporting about suicide is important and it's important because it helps us to better understand the magnitude of this problem. So I did a brief search for some statistical data, and here is what I found the American foundation for suicide prevention, highlighted some statistical results from the 2019 fatal injury report that was published by the CDC. They noted that in 2019, approximately one point 38 million suicide attempts occurred. And there were 47,511 deaths by suicide. According to a report published by the United States surgeon general and the national action Alliance for suicide prevention. The rate of suicide deaths among men increases with age while the rate of suicide deaths among women decreases with age, the 2019 fatal injury report also stated that men died by suicide three and a half times more often as women. And according to the national Alliance on mental illness, 78% of all people who die by suicide are male. Suicide attempts are elevated among adolescents and female adolescents attempted suicide. Two times more often as male adolescents, and one other statistic that I want to know of all suicide deaths in 2019 50% involved use of a firearm. This is clear evidence that suicide prevention is necessary. Suicide prevention is an area of focus in the social work profession. And as you know, I am a social worker and social work practice is all about enhancing human wellbeing, which means our attention is on enhancing the lived experience of people toward the betterment of society. When it comes to suicide prevention, there are a number of roles that social workers assume, and they assume these roles in order to prevent injury and death by persons experiencing a suicidal crisis, doing this work, the work of suicide prevention, it can be quite complex. And at the very core of this work is the need to be compassionate, caring, alert, as well as nonjudgmental social work practitioners are expected to exemplify these characteristics in their professional work. It's a part of our code of ethics during my time of need to compassionate, caring, alert, and non-judgemental social workers became my lifeline. And I'm proud to be a social worker today because of them because of the influence and impact that they've made on my life so many years ago, in my opinion, social workers are uniquely qualified to advance suicide prevention practice to reduce attempts as well as occurrences. In fact, social workers were at the forefront of efforts to implement the national strategy MSW Dr. Jerry Reed at the time, he was the vice president and director of the suicide prevention resource center, but he served as co-leader of the national strategy for suicide prevention, task force, and several MSW practitioners served as members of the task force. It was because of the practice and advocacy of clinicians, social workers included that we have the wealth of resources at the community level to address the needs of individuals, particularly those experiencing suicidal crisis to prevent injury and death. In my opinion, social workers are vital in this work because social workers play such an instrumental role in preventing suicide attempts, as well as suicide deaths. I want us to talk with a social worker actively doing this work in honor of national suicide prevention month. I invited a licensed social work practitioner to share her experiences with suicide prevention. For those of you who are aspiring social workers, seeking an area of the field to practice, it might be beneficial to hear this social worker's perspective as it relates to suicide prevention practice. Otherwise hearing about this word from a practitioner, in my opinion, emphasizes how important it is to help save a person in crisis. My guest, Mrs. Katina D Bryant is a suicide prevention practitioner. She is a licensed clinical social worker committed to helping people flourish within their environment, through mental health wellness. She has over 16 years of experience and practice with youth, adults and families that are in crisis experience in depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, or other complex psychiatric concerns. And currently Katina manages a private practice where she utilizes training and eye movement, desensitization and reprocessing solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing moral recognition therapy and other evidence-based methods. Additionally, she has a part-time faculty member for the MSW program at Baylor university's Garland school of social work, and she teaches advanced clinical practice in health settings. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Katina about her experiences as well as her perspectives. Now, our conversation was previously recorded and it begins with Katina sharing, how she got started as a social worker. After hearing that response, she shares her experiences in work as a suicide prevention practitioner, stay tuned to hear about container Brian's experience. And I will meet you at the conclusion of this conversation. Enjoy the interview. Hey, Katrina. How are you? Thank you so much for having me. Thank you so much for coming. I know you have a really busy schedule and this topic of suicide prevention. I automatically thought about you because I know that this is your area of expertise, and I want it so much for you coming to share some of your knowledge, your experience, as well as some information with regards to resources with our audience, so that they can not only become more aware of, but also move to action, because this is a topic that requires some action right now. So thank you so much for taking out the time in your day to come and join me so good to have you, but before we actually get going on talking about the topic of suicide prevention, I asked this of all of my guests, everyone answers this question. And the question that I want to ask you is why social work, what led you to want to become a social worker? Well, that is a great question. And I'll be honest that sometimes I feel like I'm still figuring it out.
Speaker 4:Um, I know, um, I know without a doubt, without any question, mental fault is my Collin. Um, being able to work with families, communities, um, in the mental health sphere, I believe. And I know without a doubt that this is where I supposed to be. Um, as far as social work goes, I started out, I wanted to be a school counselor because I wanted to make a difference and I got my bachelor's in psychology. I was actually looking up, um, programs to get my master's in psychology. Um, in fact would be a school counselor. Um, and after doing some research, um, they, I had to teach for, for two years to be a school counselor. And I didn't want to be a teacher. Like I knew I didn't want to do that. Um, and, um, and so after talking to some people, visiting the different schools, talking to counselors, I realized what I truly wants to be was a school social worker. And so that's how I ended up in social work because I was, I was one of those people that thought social workers were the people that came in, take kids away from their home, you know? Um, and so I, yes, that whole stereotype, that was me when it comes to social workers, because it just didn't know. And, and at that time I thought like, no, I don't want to do that. But when I realized social workers are the, when you're talking about working in the mental health field, you know, we are the majority, uh, professionals in this field. And so, um, I became a, I decided to get my master's in social worker goal was to become a licensed clinical social worker. So I do private practice, but I really wants to work with students. And, um, and I think my journey is a great testimony that we could have all these plans of how we want our career be, uh, to be, but sometimes God has a different plan than that. Um, you know, I told you that I didn't want to be like, I didn't want to be a social worker. I thought I was going to work with kids. Well, guess what, today I do see some kids, but I, uh, majority of my population that I work with are adults and I absolutely love it. And so I, you know, I'm a firm believer like, uh, God, where you lead me, I will follow. And that's right now, I'm on a journey, um, as a social worker. And so that's one thing right now.
Speaker 3:That's awesome. That is so awesome. You're right. You know, sometimes you can make plans and God would come right in and say, you must just take your plans and just put them to the side because that is not going to happen for you right now. So that is awesome. Awesome story. So you are working with children or adults, but I know that you have a specific focus when it comes to suicide prevention practice. So why the focus on suicide prevention?
Speaker 4:I actually started out my career in prevention work. I was actually was like direct prevention, um, is where I started out my career working with. And then, um, suicide prevention. I kind of started out. Um, and again, like, I feel like a tactic attacking my fears. Um, cause I could still remember, like in my, in my master's level program were in mental health class, it was talking about suicide and I was in, I told myself like, oh my gosh, that's like, I was terrified when it came to suicide and you know, just didn't want to touch it because I guess I didn't, I felt like I wasn't equipped to handle those situations. And so, um, you know, and we had like one class where we just strictly talked about suicide, so it was like, okay. Um, and you know, as a practitioner, they always tell you, you always want to ask those questions, uh, checking to see if they have any thoughts and, you know, handed over the Baton to somebody else that, you know, that's that specialized in that. And so, um, it wasn't until I started working at the psychiatric hospital, um, a lot of our patients that came through there, they had suicidal ideations, they had suicide attempts. So I really had to learn about how to treat this particular population. Uh, what are the best practices when working with this particular population? Because I realized very soon that no matter where I go, if I want to stay in mental health, I have to learn how to work with this particular population. So that's what kind of, um, that kind of really started my track on suicide prevention or, and also suicide intervention is working at the psychiatric hospital. Um, uh, you know, I've always been a huge component of prevention field because there's so much money that you could save and so many lives that you get per, uh, help, uh, just by permitting things, you know, so I've always been a huge advocate of prevention. Um, and then just putting those two things together as suicide prevention, working at the psychiatric hospital. And then I was fortunate enough to, um, get a job with the central Texas VA. And my job was suicide prevention. I started out as a suicide suicide prevention coordinator, uh, case manager switched over to the coordinator position. And that's all we did. We identified veterans that are at high risk of suicides, um, to intervene with that by working with, um, their providers, working with the community. And, um, just learning about that kind of that's what led me into the focus of suicide.
Speaker 3:So one of the things that you had to personally prepare yourself for and making this transition, because you said you were kind of nervous about it and I can already imagine all that you had to do in order to prepare yourself professionally. But what about personally, what did you have to do in order to be able to effectively function as a professional in this area of practice?
Speaker 4:That is a good question. So, um, I think that, uh, first I think it starts with self-awareness awareness and one of the things like, I know what it's like to have those suicidal thoughts. Like I know what it's like to have, uh, someone send you a text message and just shift and how important your faith could play a role of that personally. I know what that's like. And so looking at, um, for me, my personal experience with suicide ideation and those thoughts, and then looking at it in the lens of helping someone, I think that, uh, self care is so important. Um, and so not only did I have to realize our, like know how to work with this particular population, also being able to set those boundaries, being able to do some reflection for myself, understanding what are my boundaries, um, cause I don't want to, you know, transfer my opinion, you know, my thoughts and feelings and those types of things on the particular client population that I'm seeing. And so I think that self-awareness, and then also self care, you know, making sure because if we're not we'll then how can we be effective to other people? I feel like it's one of those things that's ongoing, but you have to continue to check in and um, and then making sure that your mental health is whole, so you are able to help effectively help everybody else because this is a very tough topic and it can take a lot of you mentally if you're not, if you're not sure.
Speaker 3:I know for me working in an area in the area of corrections, I had the desire to, to work with that population. And I didn't always understand what it meant to work with that population until I actually began working with that population. But I had a real key turning point that helped me to have a really good understanding of what it meant to work with that population. And it was my very first time having to do something inside of a correctional setting by myself. And it was number one, it was a scary experience. I almost feel like I was hazed in some kind of way because my very first time I actually got locked into a correctional setting due to an incident that happened. I actually got locked in for hours. The facility got shut down. So I got, you know, I got a real dose of what it was like to work in a correctional setting that day. And that kind of helped me to become more aware, but it also strengthened my desire for that kind of work. So do you have any turning point for you working or even con you know, moving towards working in this area of practice, do you have a turning point that amplified your desire to want to do suicide prevention practice?
Speaker 4:I think it kind of goes back to what I said before is for as like, like your call and like, I know without a doubt mental health is this is where I supposed to be. And, you know, always looking at ways that I could better myself, better as a profession. And a lot of times when you walk in, I feel like when you're walking, according to your Collin, you're just being faithful with what you're doing at that moment. And from that point, it could lead to other things cause it could, because I think so often we get caught up with what is my purpose? Am I living in my purpose? Am I, you know, and if we feel that it's this big old thing, that's gonna come out and tell us what it is, but sometimes it's just being faithful of the position that God puts you in. And then from that, it leads you to other things. And I feel that looking at suicide prevention, you know, it started out, it started out with me working in the psychiatric hospital and from, and no matter where I go, always talk about suicide prevention. Like if you work in mental health, you cannot, you cannot. I mean, you're, if you're a therapist you have to address that issue. And so looking at it from working in a psychiatric hospital, you know, with the opportunity that I was given with him at the VA, and then also just looking at, you know, my personal experiences, my family experiences, when it comes to this, with this particular topic and it just, it kinda just like ruined, like realizing that this is a tough topic. A lot of people don't like to talk about it. A lot of people have, there's so many myths that comes around this topic for myself. You know, I was terrified of, you know, working with this particular population. So I just felt like I was spiteful for, with a little small, you know, small thing area and it just continued to grow. And I feel like I'm still learning. Like I still have a ways to go, but I, I, but I can tell you this, like, I'm not nervous. I'm not anxious about it. I feel like I am making a difference. And also I realized, you know, it's such a huge need, particularly in the black community when we're talking about this, it's not, did it answer your question?
Speaker 3:I actually appreciated that. But, but do you have a story that was pivotal for you, particularly in the beginning, transitioning into suicide prevention practice?
Speaker 4:So I don't have a particular like this one story, you know, then I just knew that that was it, you know, but I think it's a combination of like the different experiences and it all seemed to have this same theme. A lot of people, when you're talking about suicide, they don't, they don't die because they want to kill themselves. They die because they want the pain to stop and they don't know any other way to get help. And for two Ian, just looking at, you know, a lot of the things that I saw working with this particular population is there's an underlining issue that's going on with them. And it's not just one thing. It's a combination of several things. And I guess that's probably why I can't come up with like this one thing, because when we're talking about suicide is so complex, it's not just one thing, you know, but it is something that you see, um, like several issues, um, several risk factors that comes at play with this. And, and also another thing too, that I, that I felt like working with this particular population is seeing when you're working with this particular group, seeing the change, like you come from working with someone that you know, was had to pull their car on the side of the road with a gun in their hand and realizing that this is it. I can't continue to live like this. And something happened, you know, something happened that they chose not to go along with it and they put that gun up, but they called and got the help. And then now you're working with this person and they're telling you their story, how low they are. And now you see how they're prepared to go back to school. You know, they're not having those thoughts anymore. Sometimes they have those ideations, but then they're able to they're if they have that self-awareness and they're able to do things about it. And I think being able to see that change hand on for so many people, I think that that that's really helpful that it confirms that what I'm doing, I am making a difference and I am saving lives. Um, and therapy works.
Speaker 3:Yeah, that's quite gratifying and it makes it even the more meaningful and valuable when you are doing something that is saving lives, but that is making a difference in people's lives for the long haul. That's awesome. That's amazing. I'm now wanting to focus on sharing information for those who may be interested in perhaps transitioning into doing suicide prevention practice, or want to know more about what it will take to do suicide prevention practice. So can you talk a little bit about some of the skills and qualifications that's needed to transition into this area of practice as related to
Speaker 4:Right. And you know, one of the things when I'm talking about suicide prevention or working in suicide, I do believe that this is, uh, I, I could see us having a whole course on suicide prevention because so often it's just lumped and to a chapter are, you know, if, if you're, if this isn't something that you're interested in, if you don't highlight it, when you're doing your papers, you know, uh, it could be easily missed. We always talk about, is so important for you to ask those questions. And you know, when you're doing your assessment with any bio-psycho-social assessment, that's one of the questions that they are on that. But it's just a point where you're just checking this box and you're thinking, that's it. You have to make sure one of the things, one, a suggestion or recommendation that I will give you colleagues or professionals that, that has the, have this passion is you're going to have to put in your work yourself. You're going to have to invest in yourself. Uh, like there are so many different trainings that, and it's free. It's free trainings that you could go through. Like they have the Cannes training, um, in different states, they call it different things. Um, the ACE training. And so I think that you have to invest in yourself and look for opportunities to learn about this, about this particular subject, because I have, and I, you know, ingrained in my eyes is, you know, isn't, but every, a lot of people that I talk to too, they say the same thing. You know, they, there's not a, you know, a whole course where you're talking about suicide prevention, but when you start getting in the field, you realize how complex it is. You know, it's not just, oh, this person is having suicidal ideation, but you're looking at, okay, where's their risk level. You know, what type of risk level are there? Is it high risk? Is it moderate risk and low risk? You know, it's just so many different things that goes into it. But, um, unless you're like really going out, seeking this information, you really don't know it. And so I will recommend that person who's ever interested in going into this field is to really invest in yourself and look for opportunities to learn more about this particular topic.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Yeah. I think that's great advice. That's great advice. Are there any specific skills or qualifications that the person would need? Is there a certificate of sort that would be necessary for someone to perhaps get a job working in this area? Or is there a specific skill, maybe a social work skill that they would need in order to be effective and work in this area?
Speaker 4:Yes. And so right now they have a certified prevention specialist. That's one certification that you could get a lot of times with that particular certification is very broad, is looking at the prevention feel as a whole. A lot of times, people that is working with substance abuse, especially that's doing this prevention side of substance abuse. They go and get this certification, but the certification is very broad. It's not specifically geared towards suicide prevention specialists. I'm pretty. And I need to look and see if there is a certification out there for suicide prevention. But I do know that there's a lot of trainings. Um, that's out there, they have a national training that's out there. Each state, they have a, a different coalition that's out there for you to get involved with. If you're interested in this, I know working for the VA, they have, so they have a suicide and the national organization have their on training, working for the VA. They have their national training for suicide prevention that they do. I will say, it's the same skill sets that we have as social workers. If you work in mental health, I will say another strong component is you have to be able to be uncomfortable if you like, if you're afraid of speaking in front of people, this may not necessarily be a good field because a lot of times when we're talking about suicide, education is huge. You know, like, like I stated before, there are so many myths that's out there about suicide. There are so many people that don't know how to get the help that they need. And so a lot of our work that we do in is education trainings, um, speaking to classes, going to community events, going to church events, um, you know, different things. Speaking about this, getting the word out also, I will say to someone that is experience that have already gone through like, you know, how to treat people. So you've, you know, you carried a caseload, you've done, um, individual therapy because I think that that's essential. You know, you need to know what, how, you know, what are the best practices, what that looked like working with this. So I wouldn't recommend someone straight out of grad school, um, you know, for this to be their work. Is it possible, you know, if you go to a school that specialized in this and, you know, you have other experience prior to, but, um, I think it will be someone that has more like more experience, um, you know, out of, um, like at least two years or more, um, from grad school going into the field because it is very complex and you have to know what treatment looks like. Um, so I don't think as an intro level position
Speaker 3:That whole thought about public speaking is something that I would not have paired with suicide prevention practice, but it's so true now that I reflect back on what my experiences have been in terms of seeing information, becoming aware, uh, being educated, that public speaking piece is huge, but I never thought about that. And so you just mentioned it right now. That's excellent advice. Thank you so much for sharing that. So with that being said, I'm going to ask you this question and I want to get your, your thoughts or your opinion on it. And you kind of answered it a little bit, but the necessity of having a week or a month promoting awareness about suicide prevention, you know, how important is that? How significant is that? How necessary?
Speaker 4:I think it's very important and I think it's very important on several entities. Hey, it's important for those people that have lost loved ones because of their loved ones have completed suicide. I know, and they do this all over, but, um, particular Waco, Texas, they have, this is called the out, out of the darkness walk. If you hadn't been there, I will suggest for you to go there, but it's just, I think it's, um, and just thinking about it kind of seeing chills, Val, you know, down my spine, because just looking at how many families come out there. I remember one year I went this one family that I spoke to, they lost their daughter and she had two kids. And at the time was, she ended up killing herself. Um, her, her son, he was a baby. Well now he was a teenager and he was out there with her shirt on and just looking at, you know, seeing it, seeing this child's face that, you know, he has to live his, his whole life with his mom, no longer be in there. Um, and just, you know, it's a great opportunity for them to tell their story and they have, uh, they do like different, uh, visuals for them. And like they have like these paper bags with their name and lights under me there. And it's such a beautiful thing because at nighttime you could see it. And a lot of, and one time they spelt hope, um, with those bags and it was so beautiful to see, but also so sad, like these, this amount of people have killed themselves because they felt like this was their only option. So I think having that the month is great for those survivors. Um, those, uh, family members that have lost loved ones is a great opportunity for them to tell their story to so their loved one's name will continue to live. Um, so I think it's good for them also, I think is good for, uh, practitioners as actually doing the work in the field. It's a great time to shine, uh, awareness because a lot of times, you know, people, you wouldn't really see suicide prevention or people talking about suicide, unless you're very passionate about it. But during that month, people are looking, companies are looking for people to come in and talk to their, their workers and getting the word out on a national stage. And so I think that that is great that way, because you're able to reach more people. And then also it's great for practitioners because there's always things going on. So if you're like looking for training, where did I go? Uh, September is a good month that you'll be able to find a lot of things that you probably, you know, it probably will be very hard unless, you know, someone to find that information and, you know, and it, it all goes back to what we're talking about suicide. It is something that we can prevent or we able to prevent it 100%. Absolutely. I mean, absolutely not. That's not realistic, but a lot of times these people that have killed themselves, they have told someone if this is something that they're thinking about doing. Um, and so if we could just get that word out and letting them know that, Hey, you're not alone, there are people out there that can help you. And there is hope.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Yeah. That's important. Definitely. Thank you so much. I want to transition and go back to talking about the experiences of doing this kind of work. What are some of the challenges that social work practitioners, maybe you can talk about some of the challenges that you've had in doing this kind of work, and then what kind of advice would you offer to address any of those challenges?
Speaker 4:I would think, um, I would say the, um, one of the biggest challenges is, is very hard work. Um, and it can take a toll on you mentally. And I say that first is because I think as social worker we're as social workers, we're always given, we're always given, we're always given, and it's so important if you're doing this work to make sure you have some type of self care, um, that you're doing to plug bike into yourself. Because if you're always given, who's filling you back up or what's filling you back up. And so, um, I think it's very important for anybody that's working in this field, not just social workers. I mean, you start looking at the number of psychiatrists are adopters that have killed themselves because, um, that, that trauma, that vicarious trauma is real, you know, want to make sure that we're able to plug back into ourself because if you're not careful, it started taking a toll on you. And so I think that that's one challenge. Another challenge is with this, you have like, you cannot do this work alone. You have to be able to work well with other people. Um, and it's also working with other disciplines, not just social workers. I mean, you're going to be working with doctors and nurses actress. And so if you're not familiar with how to navigate that system, it can become a challenge. Um, sometimes you could feel like you're not being heard, but again, you're just taking that one step kids, you doing what you need to be doing and working with them. And so I think it's very important to know how to work in an interdisciplinary team, um, to bring out, to bring about positive change.
Speaker 3:That's good. That's good. I like the idea of understanding how to navigate when you're working, interdiscipline working with other disciplines. Um, and in, in a collaborative fashion, you, you have to of course uphold the social work perspective, but you also have to respect the other perspectives that the other discipline professionals are coming with. And if you're not able to do that, I can imagine that it will be really difficult to be effective in this area of practice. So thank you so much for sharing that. So in your work as a practitioner, you're a licensed clinical social worker. When you are working with individuals who are struggling in this regard, do you have a certain theoretical perspective that you draw on or this particular technique or strategy that you prefer when working with them?
Speaker 4:Yes. And so that's a great question. It all goes back to, and that's why I say that is very important for, for a person to be skilled in this particular work, because part of that skillset is being able to assess an idea and know your client because each client is different. You know, I know there's been studies where DBT has been highly effective working with suicide, um, people that are suicidal, but what if you have a person is not that, I mean, it's not working, it's not, they're not getting that. And so you have to be able to have a variety of different therapeutic approach. I tend to start with solution-focused brief therapy initially, but again, being able to know my client and see if that's not working, if they are having have been experiencing a lot of trauma, you know, um, so I start with solution-focused brief therapy and also crisis intervention, developing a crisis plan just to get them stabilize and then being able to assess and see what's needed. If they have been experienced in a lot of trauma, we will go to EMDR treatment so we could kind of work through that. And so I think it just depends on what's going on with that particular client, what works best for them. But, you know, you have, CBT has been affective. DBT is effective solution focused grief therapy, EMDR, or just a few of the ones that could be used.
Speaker 3:Awesome. Thank you so much. I applaud you in the work that you do. I do, and I celebrate the successes that you've had in working with individuals in this area, the field, it certainly takes a special someone to be able to do this, to do it well and to do it for the long haul. And so I celebrate you. I applaud you. You are absolutely awesome as a social worker. And I think that those whom you are working with, and those who've had the pleasure of working with you, I can just imagine that they have been able to get to the place that you've been helping them to get to by the investment that you have made in their life. So continue to do this work. We need to concede, and we need more of you out there doing this work for sure, especially now, when so many of us are going through so many different challenges and it's seems like we are just spiral into our rock bottom and not seeing the way out or the way through, and to be able to have someone like you, who is attentive and aware, but has the have the skills and the experience to be able to help someone get over that is, is certainly certainly valuable. So I praise you. I celebrate you. I applaud you for all the work that you do. So now what I need you to do is talk to us about some, the resources. I know you mentioned some, and I'm not sure are your, are you practicing online? Are you doing a virtual? Are your services virtual, or are they face-to-face? How can someone contact you and maybe inquire about this area of the field, or perhaps be able to, uh, talk with you about resources with regard to this area of practice? How can someone get in contact with you?
Speaker 4:I do have my own private practice. So, and I am licensed in the state of Texas as well as the state of Tennessee. And so I could see clients, both. I could see clients virtually and Texas, but in Tennessee, I am licensed and I see clients virtually and also face-to-face. My cell number is 8 6 5 2 2 1 7 3 9 9. And that is my work number. So if someone is interested in individual therapy, that's in Texas or Tennessee, we will call me me a text message, or you could email me at B Katina, K a T T I N a@yahoo.com. I always like to give people the w the crisis line. I think that the suicide crisis number is a great resource because they can provide information for a person as actually are actively suicidal for their family members. You're a clinician, and you're working in this field. I need some more resources. So I was just a one-stop shop for, you know, really cover them the basis with that. And that number is 1 802 7 3 8 2 8 2 5 5. And again, that number is 1 802 7 3 8 2 5 5. There's also this really cool app that I always tell people about. It's called a virtual health box, working at the VA. I know we utilize that a lot, but then, but it's also, anybody could use it. I have it downloaded on my phone. I always tell my clients about it. It's free. So if you have apple or Android, you can download it. It is call the virtual hope box. It has a little red star with the blue box. So that's what it looks like. And then also, if you're someone that you're, you're not sure of, how do you go about talking to someone that's suicidal, or you feel like you need some more training, Columbia, suicide, severity rating scale. That's a great tool to use. It is evidence-based. But I like to say that because on their website, they have so much information on suicide prevention that you can use. And so if you could, if you just Google Columbia suicide severity scale, it will take you to their link and it have so many great resources on that website. You can always look at your each place. They have a local chapter. Um, the it's a suicide prevention chapter that they do. So usually they usually are the ones that holds the out of the darkness walk in September. And so that's always a great resource, but if you're looking, how, where do I start? Start with the crisis line. That would be a great start. That has so much information on there.
Speaker 3:Awesome. Well, one last thing I would love for you to do. There's a listener out there who is contemplated, throwing in the towel and no longer wanting to live this life due to challenges and circumstances that might be overbearing and overpowering. What would you say to that individual if they were listening right now,
Speaker 4:I will tell that individual that, um, there is, hope this out the air and for them to call the crisis hotline number, where they could talk to someone right now at this moment. And so I that's where I was sorry. And, and, uh, also what, tell it person again, there's hope there's people that's willing to help you because your life, it does matter. And we
Speaker 3:Awesome. If you're out there, listen to Katina Bryant, there's hope you matter. And there are resources out there that you can draw on in order to turn things around for yourself. Don't give up. So Katrina, thank you so much for joining me today. It was my pleasure. I've learned something from you as I always do whenever we get together. And we have conversation. Thank you so much for share with my listeners, this brief talk about suicide prevention, because I know as you stated, there is so much more to know, and there's so much more to do. So thank you so much for taking the time to share a little bit with us, as well as to encourage us to think more about this area, become more aware and then also to take action. Are you going to come and join me again next time? Absolutely. Okay. Okay. We'll have to talk when you'll be able to have time to come join me again. I would love it. Well until then you take care.
Speaker 4:Bye bye.
Speaker 3:I so appreciate courageous, compassionate, social workers, doing the work of helping and giving hope to those in seemingly hopeless situations. If you are an aspiring social worker uncertain about the area of the field to choose, I encourage you to consider suicide prevention. There is much work to be done, and I know that you will find value and meaning in this work consider reaching out to social workers like Katina, who are actively practicing so that you will learn more. If you or someone you know, is thinking about suicide, call the national suicide prevention lifeline. The number is 1 802 7 3 8 2 5 5. There are professionals ready to provide you with free, confidential support, 24 hours, seven days a week. In the words of one named Jess Thorton is not about battling your past, but fighting for your future. So please do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help know that your life matters. And many people care to see you live it to the fullest. Again, that number is 1 802 7 3 8 2 5 5. Thinking about the social workers who were so influential in my life so many years ago, if they were here and I were to ask them, what would you say to someone who is struggling right now? And to be encouraged, they would say more than just don't give up. They would say, I dare you not to give up to you. Who may be overwhelmed by life and thinking about giving up. I dare you not to give up. I dare you not to give in to the pressure of ending. Only look up to the hope of overcoming and overcoming and winning. They're so much more to you than you may even know right now. So keep going forward. Choose to stand to live. Be bold. Be brave, dare to be different. Dare to be courageous. See, we only got one life to live, so choose to live. It sees the chance to turn that frown into a smile and refuse to give up, refuse to give into the pressure to end only look up and grab, hold the hope to overcome and win. Be encouraged. My brother be encouraged. My sister, I so appreciate having this talk on suicide prevention and connecting with Mrs. Katina D Bryant. If you are appreciated listening to this episode, write a review to share your thoughts, share this podcast episode with others and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to keep up with this show. Do you have a question you want answered in a future show? Do you have topic ideas or feedback to support creation of future shows? Would you like to be a guest connect with me through email, send messages to S S inspired cast@gmail.com? Well, until next time, Sunday listeners live on purpose.
Speaker 2:Thank you for listening to Sundays with Chevelle subscribe, wherever you listen to podcasts and be sure to tune in next time for another social work inspired episode by.