In this episode, we speak with the 2 founders of Shout Out Loud MN, Lisa and Laura. Shout Out Loud MN is an organization that aims to normalize suicide prevention and end the stigma surrounding mental health. They want kids to grow up knowing it’s normal to talk about mental health and coping skills. Lisa and Laura discuss so many good pieces of information such as how to talk to people in your life that may be struggling with mental health issues, warning signs, coping skills, and talking with kids. This episode will encourage you and help you remember you are not alone. We all struggle with mental health, especially right now during this very unique and challenging time.
How did Shout Out Loud get started?
3 months after meeting we created Shout Out Loud. 6 months after that we were able to put together a fundraiser to help the community and raise money for the nonprofit Nomi Health. We had over 800 people attend our first event. The second event was even bigger and more money was raised.
What is Shout Out Loud for someone who has never heard of you?
Shout Out Loud is a simple nonprofit that was started to normalize suicide prevention in our community. We wanted kids to grow up knowing it is normal to talk about mental health and coping skills. We have started a big community movement and people are jumping on board and we are getting the community to talk and open up.
What organizations are you donating to?
We wanted to raise money for other nonprofits. The first year we partnered with Nomi Minnesota and Canvas Health and we raised about $16,000 in 2018. In 2019 we picked Prairie Care’s Child and Family Fund and we raised over $50,000. We want money to go towards helping kids, teachers, families and the community. We also want to teach families and kids mental health coping skills. Our event featured music, food trucks, carnival games that had to do with coping skills through art, boxing, karate, speech pathology…so many community organization that want to help kids stay well.
What are some statistics around mental health, depression, and suicide that you can share?
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and 2nd leading cause of death in teens. Suicide is not talked about, yet so many people have been impacted by it.
What are some treatment options or things you can do if someone does let you know they are suicidal?
It depends on the situation and the age of the person. If it is an adult, let they know that you are here for them. You might not know the answers, but let them know you will figure it out with them. They will know they don’t have to carry the burden alone.
If someone is really in danger call 911 or get help to their home. If they can get themselves to the local emergency room that will help too. Let the ER assess them. Abbott Northwestern and Prairie Care and places in St. Cloud have places for kids. They have inpatient and outpatient therapy. There are so many types of programs will help you. You don’t need to know which type of therapy you need, a local ER will help you figure it out and assess you.
How do we know when kids need an assessment or if their behavior is normal and developmental?
It’s okay to get an assessment even if nothing is wrong. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone or have your kids talk to someone if your gut is telling you that. Even just having a couple therapy sessions might help and your mind will be put at ease. Prevention is key. You don’t have to know something is wrong. Normalizing therapy is key as well.
Now that virtual therapy has become the norm have you found more clients looking for help during COVID? How is virtual therapy different than in person visits? What can a patient expect?
Online therapy allows people to have more time and more time in the day. You can make an appointment at times during the day that work for you and you don’t have to drive there. You may feel more comfortable because you are in your own environment. More people are learning about and taking part in virtual therapy.
Even kids are seeing therapists online. Teenages are doing awesome with this because they are used to technology.
Why is there still such a stigma around mental health issues and what can people do?
People tend to shy away from conflict and they are not good at. People often do not know what to say if someone shares they are struggling. Ask people if you think they are struggling. Asking someone how they are doing is not going to make them suicidal if they are not already.
Listen to this fabulous episode for more information, tips, and resources on suicide and mental health!