Understanding Post-Intervention Support

September is a month dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, mental health, and the importance of supporting one another. While intervention support is essential during times of crisis, what follows is equally significant – post-intervention support. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of post-intervention support in suicide prevention and explore how we can continue to help individuals on their journey to healing.

Post-intervention support involves providing ongoing assistance and care to individuals who have experienced a crisis or suicidal ideation. This stage of support is crucial for helping individuals navigate their path to recovery, rebuilding their lives, and promoting mental well-being.

Continuation of Care

After the initial crisis has been managed, it’s important to ensure that individuals receive continued care. This may involve regular therapy sessions, counseling, or participation in support groups. Consistent professional care can help them address the underlying issues that contributed to their distress. If you are a Green Beret or an eligible family member, please request support through the Green Beret Foundation for assistance with ongoing care.

Building Coping Strategies

Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Post-intervention support focuses on equipping individuals with coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. These strategies empower them to navigate difficult situations and prevent relapses. 

Learn more about building coping strategies.  

Addressing Underlying Issues

A key aspect of post-intervention support is addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to the crisis. By working through these issues, individuals can better understand their emotions, triggers, and thought patterns, which are essential for long-term healing.

Creating a Supportive Community

Recovery is often enhanced by a strong support network. Engage in open conversations with friends and family members, and encourage them to continue supporting the individual on their journey. Having a circle of understanding and empathetic people can make a significant difference.

Encouraging Self-Care

Post-intervention support involves helping individuals prioritize self-care. Encourage them to engage in activities that bring joy, practice relaxation techniques, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and set realistic goals. Self-care contributes to overall well-being and resilience.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

• Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
• Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
• Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
• Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
• Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
• Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
• Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
• Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

While educating communities about recognizing signs of distress is essential, it’s equally crucial for those providing support to engage in self-care and utilize resources like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to ensure their own well-being.

Monitoring Progress

Regularly monitoring an individual’s progress is crucial. Keep an open line of communication and check in with them to see how they’re doing. Celebrate their achievements and offer reassurance during challenging times.

Reducing Stigma

Stigma around mental health can be a significant barrier to seeking help. As part of post-intervention support, work toward reducing stigma in your community. Openly discussing mental health challenges helps create an environment where individuals feel safe seeking assistance without judgment.

During Suicide Prevention Month, it’s important to recognize that intervention support is just the beginning of the journey toward recovery. Post-intervention support plays a critical role in helping individuals heal, rebuild their lives, and maintain mental well-being. By providing continued care, building coping strategies, addressing underlying issues, fostering a supportive community, encouraging self-care, monitoring progress, and reducing stigma, we can contribute to a society that promotes understanding, empathy, and resilience for all. Together, let’s commit to offering ongoing support to those who need it and making a lasting impact in the realm of suicide prevention.