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. For many people, the post-holiday season can be an especially difficult and challenging time. If you are concerned about potential mental health issues in your family, you may not know where to start. In this video presentation, courtesy of Families for Depression Awareness, you’ll learn ways to talk about mental health information with your family in a supportive, respectful way.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about publicizing the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program in your community, please reach out to us.
View time: 80 minutes
Sharing Mental Health Information in Your Family
A family’s mental health history can provide clues that help families and healthcare providers recognize potential mental health issues. During this webinar, Bruce Cohen, MD, PhD, discusses the role of genetics in mental health and how you can identify aspects of your family mental health history. You’ll also hear from Kenyatta Berry, genealogist and former host of PBS’ “Genealogy Roadshow.” Ms. Berry will teach you how to talk about mental health history with your family–even when it is uncomfortable. Use the information you learn to create a Mental Health Family Tree using a free tool provided by Families for Depression Awareness.
YouTube Channel for Families for Depression Awareness
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.
