Suicide Awareness Conference to Discuss LGBT Youth

PLYMOUTH – "The Silent Epidemic: A Conference on Suicide," a production of Michigan-based suicide prevention charity Kevin's Song, will discuss how suicide directly impacts LGBT youth in the state, along with many other factors affecting suicide rates.
Kevin's Song was founded in 2013 by Gail and John Urso in response to the loss of their son, Kevin.
"We lost our son to suicide in 2013. It was at that time that we began to fully become aware of the extent of suicide in our society and that it's an epidemic affecting 41,000 people a year in this country. We started to look at how we felt we could make a difference. There were a few things we could do. One was to talk about it, spread the word and educate the community," Gail told BTL.
The Silent Epidemic conference will be held April 7-9 at the Inn at St. John's and will feature mental and medical health professionals, first responders, educators, clergy and survivors of and those who have lost ones to suicide.
Nicole Law, PsyD, will present her topic, "The Hidden Risks of LGBT Youth," twice during the conference. During this presentation, Law will discuss the impact heteronormativity, culture and language have on identity, self-worth and suicide risk. The session will explore methods of reducing the impact these factors have on suicide risk in school, community and healthcare settings.
"After speaking to experts in the field, we found out that there is an extensive risk of suicide for LGBT youth. I'm sure it's related to bullying, but it's also the feeling of being different, not being respected and all the factors that accompany being seen as 'other,'" Gail said.
In addition to Law's panel, known LGBT therapist Joe Kort, Ph.D., will present his session, "Understanding Males Who've Been Sexually Abused and Why They Attempt Suicide." Kort will explain current reported statistics that say one in three women and one in six men will be sexually abused in their lifetime. The workshop will help participants understand the traits that are characteristic of survivors of sexual abuse, specifically traits that are unique to male survivors.
Other topics that will be discussed at the conference include:
– how Henry Ford Behavioral Health Services transformed mental healthcare
– the risk factors and warning signs of suicide
– youth suicide risk and bullying
– how mental health professionals can support someone through a suicide crisis
– new media messaging for social media
– suicide stigma
– military and veteran suicide risk
– updates on the state of Michigan Department of Human Services and Medicaid
– many more topics with keynote speaker Thomas Joiner, Ph.D., who will deliver his presentation, "Why People Die by Suicide."
To register for the conference, go to http://kevinssong.org/conference. The Inn at St. John's is located at 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth.