Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative experience. Join us at an upcoming community ASIST workshop and take a meaningful step towards making a difference in the lives of those in crisis.
One Monday, Corrina arrived at her desk and noticed that her manager Mike’s door was uncharacteristically closed.That was one thing Corrina really liked about Mike, that he was always available with an open door policy. This morning was different though, even the light wasn't on. He didn't appear to be in an online meeting or on the phone either. She hesitated before knocking, but she had a strong sense that something was out of the ordinary. Mike didn't say anything when she opened his office door and asked if she could come in. She could instantly see that he was very out of sorts. When she asked if he was OK, she had a moment's realisation that she would need her skills as an accidental counsellor. Mike was a mess. He divulged that he had spent most of the weekend in hospital with his brother who had attempted to take his own life. Other members of the family came and went, but it was Mike who stayed.
Mike seemed relieved to be able to talk to a trusted colleague who hadn’t called in HR. He just wanted to get it off his chest. He had known there was something amiss with his brother Jack whose wife Cindy had left taking the kids. Mike was utterly miserable that he had not realised just how heavily Jack was suffering, kicking himself that he had not seen the signs, whatever they might have been. Corrina had been planning to attend the ASIST workshop and now the idea really took hold, that not just she but Mike too would benefit from this training. She had a sense that it was too soon to mention this and so she just listened . . . and listened . . . and kept him company while he poured out his despair in being unable to help his brother. Corrina remembered to use empathic listening skills, not to say too much, and not to give advice. Maybe it wasn't too soon to talk about attending ASIST. Maybe it was just what Mike needed because, between the two of them, they realised that the crisis was not over.
Less than two weeks after I completed my training, my daughter took an overdose medication that was intended to end her life but went to hospital for an intervention. After that, I have since used my ASIST training more than seven times to discuss her thoughts of suicide. I never thought I would be using the training so quickly or so personally.
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