How do we support providers who are impacted by suicide loss? Although most of us are familiar with the importance of suicide prevention, we are less familiar with the concept of suicide postvention. Dr. Megan Harvey of the Rocky Mountain MIRECC joins us on this episode to discuss how we can compassionately and effectively support providers coping with a suicide loss, either professional or personal. Tune in for this important discussion.

Dr. Harvey is a psychologist with over 15 years of experience working within the VA Health System. She provides consultation and other services as part of the Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program housed by the Rocky Mountain MIRECC.

Resources:

1. The Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) provides free consultation, support, and resources to VA or non-VA providers who serve Veterans at risk for suicide. Visit their website SRM Home - MIRECC / CoE (va.gov) or reach out via email: [email protected]
2. The provider section of Uniting for Suicide Postvention (USPV) offers resources, guidance and support to those affected by suicide loss: https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/postvention/providers/
3. Connect with the Coalition of Clinician Survivors for support: www.cliniciansurvivor.org
4. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone/
5. American Association of Suicidology (AAS): https://suicidology.org/resources/suicide-loss-survivors/
6. TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) for those impacted by military or Veteran suicide. https://www.taps.org/

Calls-to-action:

1. Acknowledge the loss, whether it is your own or a colleague’s.
2. If you have experienced a loss, talk to a supervisor, close friend, consultant, or personal therapist. Don’t grieve alone.
3. Watch the following video on The Personal and Professional Impact of Suicide Loss: https://youtu.be/Gd4Vcn9tJ1E
4. Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
5. Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
6. Share your EBP fears with us on www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p