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Welcome,
Our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the tragic events unfolding in the Ukraine. As a provider, you may find that the Veterans you treat are experiencing heightened and challenging emotions related to world events. We encourage you to check out The Provider Guide to Addressing Veterans’ Reactions to Current Events in Ukraine - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov) as a tool and resource to help navigate these challenging times.
This spring we’d like to recognize that May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to explore how raising awareness about mental health can fight stigma, improve overall wellbeing, and decrease risk for suicide. Mental illness impacts millions of Americans each year, and mental health symptoms coupled with chronic stress increases suicide risk. We encourage you to check out some of the mental health awareness events we feature in this edition of our newsletter.
May is also amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Month and National Stroke Awareness Month. It is important to shine a spotlight on these and other neurologic conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, that disproportionally affect Veterans and can increase suicide risk.
Amidst this heaviness and in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to take good care of yourself as a provider. The work you do is essential.
In gratitude,
Bridget and Hal
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Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949 with momentum growing each consecutive year. This is a time to raise awareness for those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience.
To learn about Mental Health Awareness Events near you visit:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) May 2022 Mental Health Awareness Month Events, Advocacy, and Resources
- Mental Health Foundation’s Ultimate 2022 Guide to Mental Health Awareness Planning Tools
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The risk for suicide among Veterans seeking VHA care is elevated for those with neurologic conditions, including TBI, ALS and stroke. Dr. Lisa Brenner, Director of the Rocky Mountain MIRECC, recently discussed her related research in the Short Takes on Suicide Prevention Podcast Series. Dr. Brenner will also be sharing her expertise during the May SRM Lecture series (details below). Some of her research highlights include:
- Veterans who had experienced stroke were more likely to die by suicide, especially by firearm, than Veterans without stroke.
- The odds of using firearms as a means of suicide was significantly increased for Veterans seeking VHA care with moderate/severe head injuries.
- Veterans have higher rates of developing ALS than the general population and those who are seeking VHA care are at elevated risk for suicide as compared to Veterans without ALS.
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Join us for the SRM Monthly Lecture Series and earn free CEUs!
Presentations typically occur on the 2nd
Wednesday at 2pm EST. Miss a presentation? Please visit our website to access the recording.
Upcoming 2022 Webinars:
April 13, 2022 @ 2:00pm ET
Self Directed Violence Classification System (SDVCS)
presented by Dr. Ryan Holliday
May 11, 2022 @ 2:00pm ET
Suicide Prevention among those with Neurologic Conditions
presented by Dr. Lisa A. Brenner
June 8, 2022 @ 2:00pm ET
End of Life Issues and Suicide Risk
presented by Drs. Pamela Steadman-Wool and Kristen Dillon
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The most helpful element of the SRM consultation process is:
“Being able to discuss the case with another expert to ensure we are doing everything we can to optimize the patient’s care”
96% of providers who responded to satisfaction questions in FY22Q1 reported that they would refer a friend to SRM.
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To request a free consult, email SRMconsult@va.gov
and one of our team members will be in touch to get
you connected with a consultant.
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Follow us on Twitter @RMMIRECC
Keep updated and stay in touch.
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