American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Indiana Chapter
August 2011Vol 1, Issue 1
I wasnt done being your sister
Breaking the Silence

AFSP Indiana Newsletter


Greetings!
TWLOHA logo
The end of summer is near, school will be starting again very soon~ Hope you have made some wonderful new memories this summer with family and friends! We (the Indiana Chapter of AFSP) have a few requests and need your help....Please be sure to visit the Out of the Darkness website (www.Outofthedarkness.org) to register for one of the 8 walks this Fall.
To Write Love On Her Arms will be joining 3 Indiana walks this Fall- Indianapolis, Bloomington and Evansville.
Please consider being a volunteer in your home town for AFSP, contact the chapter chair
(lbrattain4afsp@aol.com) for more details and opportunities.  Please consider being a volunteer on the day of the event at any of the Out of the Darkness Walks (again- email Lisa at the address just above to get connected with the right team in the right city).  If you have a quilt packet out (we have approximately 40 that have not been returned), please make every effort to get those back to us so that we can have a new quilt ready for the 2011 walk season.  Please forward this link (from the link at the bottom of this email) to your family and friends, and also help us promote the events on Facebook by reposting them to your pages and sending them to your friends.  Please be sure to visit the Indiana AFSP facebook page- and hit "like" to get updates and events as they are posted, and suggest the page to your friends and family.  This helps us reach more people in need of finding resources around the state.

 

Finally, Help us "pack the house" for the Indianapolis Indians game on August 24th (details below) and the Indiana Fever game on September 7th (details below)- proceeds benefit the Indiana Chapter, help us raise awareness, and give us an opportunity to educate our community!  WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Tickets must be purchased through the links provided to be credited to the chapter.  

 

To share a recent quote from our fearless leader at the National AFSP office, Robert Gebbia: "We must not allow suicide to continue to cut short the lives of our loved ones. Let's state loud and clear that depression and other mental illnesses are just that - illnesses. Not weaknesses. Not character flaws. People battling these illnesses not only require, but deserve understanding, treatment, and the same compassion as people afflicted with any other illness." Robert Gebbia, AFSP Executive Director.  

 

September 4th-10th is National Suicide Prevention Week!  What will you do to educate someone or promote awareness that week?  Our Fever game is on September 7th, our Indianapolis Out of the Darkness Walk is on September 10th.  We plan to have Mayor Ballard sign and hopefully read during the opening ceremony of Indianapolis- a proclamation for suicide prevention week!  Please get involved in some way to help us "Silence the Stigma" of depression and suicide!  

 

Volunteers Needed &

New Committee Members WELCOME


It only takes one
Each AFSP event, Out of the Darkness Community Walk, or other related event in Indiana is in need of passionate cause driven people!  If you are interested in serving on any of the walk committee's, being a "day of the event" volunteer, or dedicating your time and voice and passion to a specific committee~ 

 WE WELCOME YOUR HELP! 


Please contact the Indiana Chapter Chair, Lisa Brattain, who will connect you with the appropriate walk team, committee leader, or event coordinator. 
Lisa Brattain
: Lbrattain4afsp@aol.com or 317.774.1377

 

We Need YOUR Help !

Out of the Darkness Season in Indiana


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What is YOUR role in the Out of the Darkness Walks? Have you registered for one of the Indiana Out of the Darkness Walks yet?  Registered a team and started recruiting team members?  Signed up to be a volunteer? 

Do you understand the importance of fund raising for a cause that is near and dear to your heart?  Each voice, Each dollar raised, Each person that attends a walk or other AFSP event plays a vital role in awareness and prevention.  We lose approximately 800 Hoosiers by suicide each year.  We lose a Hoosier teen to suicide approximately every 4.5 days.  More than 36,000 Americans are annually lost by suicide, with a suicide attempt estimated to take place every 38 seconds. We have more than 20.9 million American friends and family members living with a depressive illness annually.... Is this a conversation we can afford to continue to ignore or hold these conversations to a secret, or do we realize the dangers of avoiding the topic at the risk of those we love that are in desperate need of help and understanding?   Each voice ~ YOUR voice~ does count!  One voice CAN make a difference!  Join us for one of the 8 Indiana Out of the Darkness Walks to learn more, get involved, get information, find hope, find community, get connected!

 

  

www.OutofthDarkness.org  

 

 

Help us reach our goal of providing these programs to every school in Indiana for FREE:  the More Than Sad program (Middle & High Schools), The Truth about Suicide and ISP programs (Colleges), and Depression & Bipolar Awareness for Communities,  and the Toolkit for Schools~ ALL provided to schools and other organizations for FREE because of walk funds raised during the Out of the Darkness Walks. 

 

WILL YOU HELP US? Register TODAY!

 

Indianapolis OOTD- September 10

Chesterton OOTD- September 17

 Benton County OOTD- September 18  

 South Bend OOTD- September 24 

Munster- Northwest Indiana OOTD- September 25 

Evansville OOTD- October 8 

 Bloomington OOTD- October 15

Fort Wayne OOTD- October 22 

 

There are still dates available for you to bring an Out of the Darkness Walk to your Indiana community, if you are interested, please contact the Chapter Chair, Lisa Brattain, at 317.774.1377 or Lbrattain4afsp@aol.com  

Survivor Spotlight ~ Tammy Lundy, Indianapolis
Tammy Lundy

            My name is Tammy Lundy and I am a suicide survivor.

 

I lost my 20 year old daughter Nicole to Suicide.

 

In less than a years' time our world was drastically changed. Nicole, my beautiful daughter, was diagnosed with Endometriosis as a freshman in college. This is common and something we thought could be treated quickly. That was not to be the case for Nicole. She went through the process of a drug induced menopause and three surgeries. A hysterectomy would be her last option.

 

Until October of 2009 our family had never been affected by suicide. Not long after Nicole had her first surgery my ex-husband died by suicide. I could not believe he would hurt Nicole so badly and felt angry. I lived for my daughter and could never think of hurting her. We kept pushing on and we added counseling to her treatment along with anti-depressants, as she felt hopeless. She felt that now she could never fix their estranged relationship. She started to withdraw from family and friends. She was still talking to and confiding in me so I thought we would get her through this.

 

In June 2010 our Aunt also died by suicide. Things were still not going well for Nicole and she went in for her third most invasive surgery two days after Aunt Sandi passed. Nicole had one day to recover from surgery and then had to attend her memorial service. I could not believe how strong she was. I had a different reaction more of one of compassion for Aunt Sandi. One of many regrets I have is telling Nicole of how differently I felt about Aunt Sandi's suicide.

 

In the early morning of July 5th 2010 I truly felt my world end. My strong daughter, the one all her friends came to for love and support had shot herself. I was in total shock when I found her and could not see how this could be real. All I could focus on was trying to save her. I remember sitting there thinking how can you be functioning, how can you be managing this? Why am I not crying, my world is ending? After the paramedics got there the tears finally came and I fell apart, all I could do was to pray for god to please save my baby.

 

When they finally released us to go to the hospital they put us in a little room and some stranger came in to tell me that Nicole was brain dead. They then proceeded to tell us there was nothing they could do. My life was over. I remember telling Greg (my fiancé) that this was going to destroy me.

 

The blessing I was given is that Nicole had chosen to be an organ donor. It gave me time to hold her, talk to her, try and find acceptance, and say goodbye. Five families were given more time with their loved ones because of Nicole and she lives on in others.

 

Nicole and I had talked about suicide after her father passed and she promised me she would never do that because she knew how badly it would hurt me and everyone else. I believed that and thought that I could be enough. I suggested support groups and researched organizations. I worried about her taking medication and the therapist she had chosen. When your child is 20 it is hard to let them be an adult and accept you have no say in their medical treatment. 

 

My family and I have made it through our first year. We have supported each other through all the first holidays, birthdays, and the anniversary of her death. We have started traditions, ways for us to remember Nicole and speak of her often. We do not forget or try and hide our circumstance. Our focus is to raise awareness and help others so they do not have to live with the torment of waking up every morning and remembering their loved one is no longer with them.

 

I think it is a natural reaction to ask yourself why and wonder what if I had done something differently. Could I have changed anything? Everyone feels guilt as to what they could have done better. As a mother how could I not save her?

 

The first couple months were a blur. I cannot even tell you how my participation in AFSP began. I remember signing up for the walk and starting the team. I poured my heart out to co-workers, family and friends to raise awareness. It helped me to begin the healing process. I know I am very fortunate to have all the support that I do and thank god everyday for that. My family and friends are amazing. I wish Nicole could have realized she had the same love and support. I will forever be her mother and live to keep her memory alive. I will carry on ensuring that I do everything in my power to try and bring awareness to suicide prevention and this amazing foundation.  

In This Issue
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Indiana OOTD Season
Survivor Spotlight
Survivor Outreach Program
FIND US

Find us on Facebook

 

10 Things you can do NOW to support AFSP Indiana

1. Register for an Out of the Darkness Indiana Community Walk!
 
2. Organize a Walk Team!
There is great advise online for how to recruit walkers to your team and motivate them to stick with it.
 
3. Post Walk Fliers and Leaflets.
Contact the Chapter or event coordinator to have them email a copy to you!  Post them everywhere!  We can also mail them to you by contacting
Lisa Brattain at lbrattain4afsp@aol.com
Post them at your of employment, at a café, a local coffee shop, a business with a bulletin board, libraries, and anywhere else you can think of! If you always have a flier in your bag or purse you'll always be ready to post one! If you would like me to send you printed copies just let me know. I'd be happy to.
 
4. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to participate.
 
5. Invite members of your religious community to join in.
You may be able to set out materials at your place of worship or even address the congregation. If they have a weekly newsletter ask if you can include information about the walk.
 
6. Make a Donation!
Donate online with a card or mail your check to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Indiana Chapter at PO Box 1793 Noblesville, indiana 46061. Your donation is tax deductable.  Please indicate where you would like your donation to be posted (specific participant or walk)
 
7. Post a registration link to the walk on your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blog, website, or other social networking page.
 
8. Wear your t-shirt from past Out of the Darkness Walks and carry information with you.
You can share the information with anyone who asks.
 
9. Get your employer involved.
If your employer has a corporate newsletter ask if they will include an announcement about the walk. If they do a matching gift program ask them to match your donation to AFSP Indiana . Ask them to become a walk sponsor.
 
10. Ask everyone you know for support!
Aunt / Uncle / Dry Cleaner / Decorator / Church, Synagogue, Temple, or Meeting Members / Spouse / Coach / Friends / Contractor / Cousin / Landscaper / Banker / Vendors / Librarian / Grandparents / Clergy / Roommates / Veterinarian / Dentist / Florist / Teacher / Fellow Alumni / Club Members/ Postal Carrier / Neighbors / Family / Everyone!
We all know someone that could donate $5 to $10 or more- imagine how quickly those amounts can add up if you ask 20 people you know....
 

Thank You for Your Support of the Indiana Chapter of the AFSP. Together we can bring suicide Out of the Darkness!

 


 

Join our Mailing List!
Quick Links
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/28465378/detail.html

Please help us as we celebrate this victory!  We have to celebrate and acknowledge every victory in this process to educate, raise awareness and see the topic of depression and suicide become a priority in our families, work places, military, schools, etc.
whitehouse
We hope to celebrate this victory with Indianapolis's own Survivor, Gregg Keesling for spearheading this effort and starting this movement, along with Congressman Dan Burton and Congressman Andre Carson for being a voice for us on Capitol Hill to get this policy changed!

Congrats Gentlemen!
We are Proud of you!

Washington, D.C.

- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) commends President Obama for reversing the White House'slongstanding policy of not sending condolence letters to the families of service members who die by suicide while deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. "We are deeply gratified by the president's recognition that those who die by suicide while serving our country are equally deserving of full military recognition, which includes sending letters of condolence to surviving family members," said John Madigan, AFSP's Senior Director of Public Policy. Over the past two years, AFSP has worked relentlessly towards reversing the condolenceletterpolicy by sending a letter to President Obama, working with Congress on a House Resolution and supporting a bipartisan letter from 11 senators to the White House.  In addition, AFSP mobilized tens of thousands of advocates and supporters across the United States through petitions and a social media campaign this past Memorial Day encouraging advocates to contact the White House and urge the president to end this insensitive and hurtful policy. "Reversing this policy has been a top priority," said Madigan.  "As the leading national organization dedicated to preventing suicide and reducing stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness, we applaud President Obama for taking a courageous stand and sending a strong message that America will not tolerate a culture in our Armed Forces that discriminates against those with a mental illness or furthers stigma."
 
AFSP 2011 Grant Cycle Applications

AFSP offers 6 types of research grants:

 

Distinguished Investigator Grants for up to $100,000 over two years are awarded to investigators at the level of associate professor or higher with an established record of research and publication on suicide.

 

Standard Research Grants for up to $75,000 over two years are awarded to individual investigators at any level.

 

Linked Standard Research Grants for three or more sites of up to $225,000 over two years are awarded to investigators at any level.

 

Young Investigator Grants for up to $85,000 over two years are awarded to investigators at the level of assistant professor or lower. In addition to a maximum of $75,000 for the investigator's research, these grants provide an additional $10,000 ($5,000 per year) for an established suicide researcher who will mentor the Young Investigator.

 

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships for up to $100,000 over two years are awarded to investigators who have received a Ph.D., M.D., or other doctoral degree within the preceding six years and have not had more than three years of fellowship support. Fellows receive a progressive stipend of $42,000 in the first year and $46,000 in the second, with an institutional allowance of $6,000 per year.

 

Pilot Grants for up to $30,000 over one or two years are awarded to investigators at any level. These grants provide seed money for new projects that have the potential to lead to subsequent larger investigations.

 

 

For more information visit AFSP's website. 

Survivor Outreach Program (Survivor Support)
After a suicide, those left behind often:
+ wonder if there is anyone out there that understands
+ need local resources for support
+ want reliable information about suicide and its aftermath, but aren't sure where to find it
 

Through AFSP's Survivor Outreach Program, trained local volunteers are on hand to:


+ meet in person with newly-bereaved survivors and their families
+ listen with compassion and offer reassurance that surviving a suicide loss is possible
+ recommend helpful things to read
+ provide information about support groups and other local resources
 

A sympathetic ear and a helping hand.

Most survivors who have met others who have also experienced suicide loss can attest to the power of this shared connection. It is often a fellow survivor who can recommend a book, connect someone to a support group or another resource, or simply provide reassurance.
 

I know someone who is newly bereaved. Can I request an outreach visit for this person?

Please feel free to contact your your local AFSP Survivor Outreach Program Coordinator for more information about the program and share that information with anyone who needs it.  But please understand that AFSP volunteers are only able to meet with bereaved families and friends who have personally requested a visit.
 

Is this a counseling service?

No, this is not a mental health or counseling service. Outreach volunteers can provide information to the newly bereaved on how to find a qualified mental health professional.
 

How do I request an outreach visit?

Simply contact your local AFSP Survivor Outreach Program Coordinator, Lisa Davis, (317) 430-5000, lisadavis4afsp@hotmail.com . You'll be asked about your particular loss in order to match your request to a team of two trained volunteer survivors.  Soon after, one of the members of the outreach team will contact you to schedule the visit at a convenient and comfortable location of your choice. The visit generally lasts about an hour.

Interested in becoming a Survivor Outreach Volunteer?

Learn more here
It is a pleasure to serve our Hoosier communities as we strive to raise awareness & educate, provide programs and help those in need find resources, encourage and inspire those living with a depressive illness, those that have attempted suicide, and survivors of suicide loss!.  We are a community.  We can learn from each other, We can educate others and We can make a difference.  Together we will be heard~ We will stand together!
 

*To learn more about the AFSP/SPAN Field Advocate Program* Click Here  

 

*To learn more about AFSP funded research*  Click Here  

 

*To learn more about the ISP program for Colleges*  Click Here  

 

*To learn more about AFSP's LGBT Initiative*  Click Here 

 

*To learn more about the More Than Sad Program and Toolkit*  Click Here  

 

* To learn more about The Truth About Suicide for college students* Click Here  

 

*To find a support group or learn more about facilitating a new support group*  Click Here 

 

*To host or find an International Survivors of Suicide Day Event (November 19th)*  Click Here 

 

 

 

Peace & Blessings,

 

Lisa Brattain - Chapter Chair  

& the AFSP Indiana Board of Directors

 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  

Indiana Chapter ~ 2010 Chapter of the Year for a Mid-Size Market

 

317.774.1377  

P.O. Box 1793  

Noblesville, Indiana 46061

 

 

Join our efforts to Silence the Stigma of Suicide and Depression!

 

In the US, a person dies by suicide every 15 minutes.  Every 16 minutes, someone is left to make sense of this tragic loss.

 

  

Media Recommendations for Responsible Reporting on Suicide

 

 

Don't forget to buy your tickets for the Indians Game and the Fever Game- listed and linked below!  Mark your Calendars!

 

Forward to a Friend through the link at the bottom of this page :-)

 

Indy Indians Banner

 

Indianapolis Indians Game 

 

Help Raise Money for the

 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Indiana Chapter and the Indianapolis Out of the Darkness Walk

 

Enjoy a night at Victory Field and support a good cause at the same time.

 

$5 of each ticket purchased is donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

 

Exclusive Offer -  Reserved Seats: $10

 

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 7:05pm

 

Indianapolis Indians vs. Columbus Clippers

 

PLEASE PURCHASE TICKETS THROUGH THE LINK PROVIDED BELOW

 

Link: http://ii1.glitnirticketing.com/iiticket/web/logingroup1.php?&refresh=1304963052

 

Code: AFSP

 

Facebook Event Page




Fever Header

WNBA Fever Community Spotlight Night

 

AFSP Indiana & Indiana Cares

 

September 7th at 7pm

 

During National Suicide Prevention Week!

 

Please purchase tickets through the link provided :

 

https://www.pacersgroups.com/tickets/634/  and the password is AFSP

 

to ensure AFSP Indiana receives the donation for each ticket sold!

 

Share this event and link for tickets with your family & friends, youth groups, co-workers, etc.

 

See you for the game on the 7th!

 

 
Event on Facebook