A veteran of the Armed Forces who suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and was at risk for suicide, wasn’t comfortable without immediate access to his firearm. He kept it on his nightstand while sleeping.
With support from professionals, he was able to move the weapon three feet from the bed and later to a dresser that was even farther away. And then to another room. The firearm never left his home.
This is but one example that illustrates the importance of CALM, which stands for Counseling to Assess Lethal Means for suicide, such as medications and guns, said Wendy Lockwood, program development director at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway.
The Center applied for and received a $4,999 state grant that finances CALM training for all employees; expenses include staff time and supplies.
Everyone at The Center has taken the CALM course, which has been integrated into their daily practices.
“Suicide prevention requires a combination of efforts that address the various aspects of this issue,” Lockwood said. “Creating a safe home environment is an important part of this.
“Most prevention efforts focus on WHY people take their lives,” she continued. “But it has become increasingly clear that the HOW is crucial too. The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Kansas State Suicide Prevention Plan call for reducing a suicidal person’s access to lethal means. Delaying the interval between suicidal thought and action by just minutes can make the difference in whether the person lives or dies.”
Lockwood emphasized that CALM isn’t designed to take anyone’s guns away. Far from it.
“CALM allows us to address suicide prevention in a way that is sensitive to the culture of central Kansas where gun ownership and outdoor sports are part of our lifestyle,” she commented. “We respect that wholeheartedly. This is about helping people make safe decisions in a time of suicidal crisis; it has nothing to do with gun ownership.
“The goal is to ensure that an impulse doesn’t overwhelm you before reason does. We simply want to assist individuals in developing their own personal plan to limit or delay access to lethal means when their ability to make decisions may be compromised. In time of extreme stress, we need guidance on the best course of action.”
Lockwood noted she is “excited about the opportunities CALM presents. My career passion is behavioral health. But, at the same time, I support the Second Amendment and have a son in the military. I understand personal safety and personal freedoms.”
Other Lethal Means
While firearms are the most common and most lethal choices for suicide, they are only one item on the list.
Others include appropriately prescribed medications that may need to be closely monitored. They could be kept in a lockbox until someone gives the person the proper dosage.
In addition, since knives are readily accessible in many homes, maybe they could be stored in a safe place. “There is a chance for survival if a knife wound is treated quickly,” Lockwood noted. “Statistically, you are more likely to save a life when a knife is involved – not so likely with a gunshot wound.
“Also, there could be other lethal means that we don’t ordinarily think about. For instance, if someone has easy access to heights or lethal fumes related to lifestyle or employment, extra caution is suggested.”
CALM is a free online course that is available to anyone. The training can be accessed via the Zero Suicide website at https://zerosuicide.edc.org/resources/resource-database/counseling-access-lethal-means-calm.
“We encourage anyone who is interested to take the course,” Lockwood said. “Part of our mission is to raise awareness. The more we learn the more lives we can save.”
The Kansas Department of Health & Environment awarded the grant to The Center, which supports the state’s Zero Suicide Program.
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.