Breaking Silence: Ken Norton on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health
The most important thing to know is that it can be prevented, and it can be prevented by talking about it and by overcoming whatever those sort of myths or barriers that we feel, that discomfort that we feel if we're concerned about somebody.
Suicide is a topic often shrouded in silence and stigma, but Ken Norton is here to change that. In this compelling episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods engages with Ken Norton, a licensed clinical social worker and the Director of the Center for Community-Based Suicide Prevention at NAMI NH. With years of expertise, Ken delves into the multifaceted approach required for effective suicide prevention and recovery.
From recognizing warning signs to understanding risk factors, Ken provides a thorough exploration of what it takes to save lives. The episode also covers postvention strategies, offering insights on how to promote healing after a suicide death. One key discussion point is the impact of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders, highlighting the importance of integrated care. Ken sheds light on his work with military and veteran communities, emphasizing the need for specialized suicide prevention efforts in these groups.
He also talks about the critical role of gatekeepers—ordinary people who can make a difference by recognizing and responding to signs of distress. As Ken poignantly states, 'The most important thing to know is that it can be prevented, and it can be prevented by talking about it'. This episode isn't just informative; it's a heartfelt call to action for everyone to engage in open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.