Growth Planning
The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families in the 15 counties of NW PA.
This article summarizes a research presentation by Patti Tanner, Senior Program Implementation Specialist, and provides information about the Lived Experience Academy and research of Dr. DeQuincy Meiffren-Lezine, Director of the Lived Experience Academy
Read time: 5 minutes
A pdf of the presentation is available for download.
What is The Lived Experiences Academy?
• Focuses on life promotion and suicide prevention
• Offers guidance and resources to support healing, recovery, and growth after a suicidal crisis
• A community of people who believe in the potential for going beyond recovery in the aftermath of trauma
The Lived Experience Academy (LEA) is designed for individuals who identify as having experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, and/or their family members. Participants learn how to share their stories for the purpose of empowering themselves, furthering the healing process, reducing stigma, and educating others about behavioral health conditions.
Safety Plans and Growth Plans
Participants create both safety plans and growth plans.
A Safety Plan includes:
- Warning signs
- Coping strategies
- Social situations or distractions
- People who could help
- Who to connect with for professional help
- Identifying a safe environment
A Growth Plan includes:
- Needs/Values/Priorities/
- Strengths
- Ways to improve coping
- Ways to improve social connections
- People who can grow with you
- Professional resources for growth
- What environment promotes wellness?
Creating a “Live for This” list
The “Live for This” list contains five categories:
1. Visit these places
2. See these things
3. learn these things
4. Try these activities
5. Try these foods:
- For each category, write up to three ideas that come to mind right away. Making it specific is better.
- For each category, circle the one that would be the easiest to make happen.
- Extra credit: Share your list with one or two people you trust who might be able to help you make these dream experiences into realities. Who can help you make the plans and carry them out?
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program and PERU to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies. We are actively recruiting healthcare and community partners to work with us in meeting our goals and objectives. To learn more, visit the program website at theresilientveteran.org.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
