CALM Community Conversation

Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM Conversations) Many people do not access behavioral or physical health care despite having thoughts of or being at risk of suicide. Yet many of them signal to others – directly or indirectly – that they are struggling. This workshop is designed to provide friends, family and others with information on how recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on reducing access to lethal means – especially firearms. Participants learn how to talk with someone who might be having these thoughts in a collaborative, non-judgmental and supportive manner. CALM Conversations is divided into four sections. In Section 1, participants learn basic facts and misconceptions about suicide, common risk factors and warning signs, and the importance of means safety in keeping at-risk individuals safe. In Section 2, participants learn to ask about mood and suicide, with opportunities to practice asking questions in their own words. Section 3 focuses on connecting at-risk individuals to both formal and informal sources of support. Section 4 focuses on discussing means safety and making the environment safer for the at-risk individual until their mood state improves. CALM Conversations is intended for a general audience and requires no prior training in mental health or suicide prevention. The workshop is 90 minutes in length.