A Frame of Reference

Before detailing the contents of this entry, it is important to specify the intersection between suicidality and mindfulness, not only to justify the following conversation which pertains to mindfulness, but also continuing a multidimensional approach to mental health.

When we learn about adjacent areas of individual and social behavior, we are not shifting the focus away from the problem of lethal means safety and suicide prevention, but rather, we are enlarging the boarders of understanding, looking at an ever-complex issue from a variety of interconnected factors in tandem with a specified understanding of critical factors, together, learning both the width as well as the depth of the issue of suicidality.

With this orientation, we no longer have a frame of reference but a prism of perspective, fractionating and highlighting the different layers of color which, in its whole, is the same light. A lack of mindfulness and suicidality, then, are the same issue. One of disconnection and isolation in the midst of trauma (wounding).

The Narrative

In the past decade, more and more research has supported the implementation and effectiveness psychosomatic and or mindfulness related cognitive skills as adjacent practices for dealing with stress and cerebral inflammation.

Not only is more being shown toward the neurogenesis and synaptogenesis (growth of new neurons and synapses) of these coping strategies, but beyond the psychobiological aids offered, these interventions provide that which lethal means safety continually stives to provide as well; space.

As one is in crisis (like suicidal ideation), there's often a downregulation of prefrontal cortex activity (which handles logic, impulse control, and planning) and an upregulation of limbic system activity, particularly in the amygdala and other temporal lobe structures (which handle emotion and survival instincts). This leads to an overpowering emotional state with less rational foresight to attend to it.

Together, these two systems are a neurological superpower that has allowed humans to survive for thousands of years, but apart or dysregulated, they can be drastic implications such as suicidal ideation, risk taking, emotional distress, and more.

Mindfulness modalities target this dysregulation and attempt to bring it back on track using connective exercises such as breathwork, meditation, and psychosomatic exercises which connects ones attention to ones corporeal sensations.

Creating Space

This slows us down, which is a game changer in suicide prevention and crisis interventions. The more we slow down, the more time we give our prefrontal regions of the brain to catch up and get back on line, causing a decrease in dysregulation.

This is a huge pare of lethal means safety as well, as interventions such as cable locks, safe storage, safety plans, and other mediators, physically cause for that space to occur. Sure, this space might not be as intentional, peaceful, or tranquil, but it is just as life saving, as it not only makes space for cerebral processing, but allows for others to step in, help to be found, and lives to be saved.

The Culmination

It is in honor of this topic, thereby, that I have included a short mindfulness video which guides one through one of these interventions that has been discussed. These mindfulness exercises are suicide prevention in all respects, as they practically provide deescalating interventions to individuals who are in crisis and may be experiencing suicidality.

These interventions not only establish cerebral regulation prior to the a high intensity situation where lethal means safety measures are implemented, but are also in the same spirit of those measures; to get individuals to slow down, catch up, and take space.

Local Initiatives and Involvements

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention 2025 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN MESA COUNTY Register Here!

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): September 18-19, November 6-7 This two-day workshop(16 hours) helps participants learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): September 26, October 17, December 5 This eight (8) hour training teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA): August 29 This Six and half (6.5) hour training for adults who regularly interact with people ages 12-18. It introduces common mental health challenges, typical adolescent development, and plan for how to help in crisis and non-crisis situations

Soul Shop™: October 2 This 90-minute workshop equips faith community leaders and other people of faith to train their congregations to minister to those impacted by suicidal desperation.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call or text 988. The National Suicide Hotline is staffed around the clock with certified members of the American Association of Suicidology. Or the Crisis Text Line, text CO to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.