Avera Relaunches ‘Ask the Question’ Initiative to Prevent Suicide
During September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month, Avera has launched its Ask the Question public service campaign for the third consecutive year.
This campaign is built around a research-based premise that being direct can save lives. Asking someone who is struggling a direct question, “are you thinking about suicide?” in a caring way can open a meaningful conversation that leads to the person at risk getting help. Generous donations to the Avera Foundation fully fund Avera’s award-winning Ask the Question campaign, which was started in 2022.
This year’s Ask the Question campaign focuses on all ages, including veterans as a special focus.
“Any number of experiences before, during or after military service can trigger a crisis for veterans,” said Freddy Real, Military and Veteran Liaison Officer at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. Experiences including combat, high pressure situations, personal loss of friends and fellow service members, and the realities of transitioning out of service can create deeper heaviness. Real specializes in bridging the gap between military service and civilian life, ensuring that veterans receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve.
“What veterans may be feeling is a normal reaction to extraordinary circumstances,” said Jeff Hurst, Avera Behavioral Health therapist.
“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not uncommon among veterans, although it’s not something only combat veterans get,” Hurst said. It can result from non-combat events or stressors experienced before, during or after military services. Its effects can be immediate or build over time.
It’s important for everyone to know the signs of suicide risk:
Talking about wanting to die
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Feeling like a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain
Behaviors that may signal risk include:
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Withdrawing from activities or relationships
Sleeping too much or too little
Changing behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors, especially when related to a major life event.
Hearing resignation in their voice and saying things like “I don’t care anymore” or “I’m done.”
Through the Zero Suicide initiative, Avera has suicide screening and assessment tools for use at primary care and emergency visits.
The Ask the Question campaign takes these preventive efforts a step further by giving everyone tools and resources to help prevent suicides. This includes specialized resources for teens and veterans.
“Ask the Question has been an important reset in our minds of how the sensitive topic can be brought up by a loved one when someone exhibits warning signs. Avera has developed a storehouse of patient education, talking points, messaging and creative materials that can be reused and updated in years to come as we continually strive to make a difference and save lives,” said Lindsey Meyers, Avera Vice President for Communications, Public Relations and Community Engagement.
At Avera.org/AskTheQuestion, you can learn how to have a meaningful conversation about suicide, refer someone to helpful resources, and take other measures of prevention.