Anger is an important emotion that warns us when we’re upset by someone or something, but some times it triggers reactions and actions that lead to big problems. A questionnaire to find out what animal you are when you’re angry has just been added to my download page. I came up with this activity to help youth better understand and manage their anger and have used it with individual clients and groups. The activity is fun and engaging, but be prepared to hold and comfort the big feelings that might come up too.
Not knowing what to say to someone if you’re worried about their risk of suicide can be unsettling. What if you don’t say anything and something bad happens? What if you do say something and they stop talking to you?
Having a conversation with someone at risk of suicide while they fill out the safety plan card can serve as a reminder of community and personal resources. It’s also an opportunity to let them know they are not alone.
The ASK workshop for assessing suicide in children and youth aged 5-14 years just wrapped up. Thanks to ABK Wellness for an informative and relevant workshop that covered topics such as warning flags, protective factors, coping styles, and approaches for having conversations about suicide with young people and families. Even though death by suicide among youth under 14 years of age is not common – 46 were recorded in 2018* – suicide is on the minds of many young people who come to art therapy and, understandably, a very big concern for their families. The ASK workshop provided me with additional tools and information to better support young people and their families when suicide is a concern.
In response to people of all ages who I’ve met and are at risk of suicide, I designed a business-card-size safety plan to be easily available – for example in a pocket or wallet – when someone has thoughts of suicide. You’re welcome to download and print the card for anyone who might benefit from having a reminder close at hand of personal resources and 24/7 help lines: https://dianneshannonarttherapy.ca/resources/
Dianne Shannon Art Therapy 