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¿Estás en una crisis? Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741

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Lived experience programs

AFSP has developed two programs related to lived experience:  Introduction to Supporting Those At Risk and Finding Hope: Guidance For Supporting Those At Risk.

“Lived experience” of suicide is a term that refers to someone’s experience with suicidal thoughts, a suicidal crisis, and/or a suicide attempt.

These programs share the goal of educating communities on how to offer support to those with lived experience.

Please visit our lived experience resource page for more helpful resources as well as stories and video interviews with others living with suicidal thoughts.

Introduction to Supporting Those at Risk

Introduction to Supporting Those at Risk is a 60-minute presentation that provides introductory information on how to support someone with lived experience. Participants who are interested in learning the basics of supporting someone with lived experience will learn what research tells us about suicide and understand the process of recovery and the complex effects that a suicidal crisis can have on a family or support system. The target audience for this presentation are those who support someone with lived experience and community members interested in an introductory education program. Participants will learn strategies for helping to support someone with lived experience, as well as relevant resources.

Introduction to Supporting Those At Risk is available in-person and virtually. Contact your local chapter or see our program calendar. 

Introduction to Supporting Those At Risk

Finding Hope: Guidance For Supporting Those At Risk

Finding Hope: Guidance for Supporting Those At Risk, is a 90-minute presentation that provides in-depth, practical information for those supporting someone with lived experience. This program offers education and resources on the process of recovery after a suicidal crisis, warning signs to look out for, planning for safety, and crisis response. It also addresses the different treatment levels in the realm of mental health, and how participants can practice self-care as they support someone in their lives at risk for suicide. This program is offered by trained presenters through AFSP’s chapters and is solely available for communities in an in-person setting. The target audience for this program is loved ones and supporters of those with lived experience, and community members interested in a more in-depth education program.

To learn more about Finding Hope: Guidance For Supporting Those At Risk, contact your local chapter for more information.

Finding Hope: Guidance or Supporting Those at Risk
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