The ASIST program: Suicide Prevention at the U of A

The University of Alberta is preparing to observe World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The need to address mental health and suicide prevention is more pronounced than ever.

In Canada, suicide accounts for approximately 4,500 deaths a year. Suicide prevention activity efforts include raising awareness, improving mental health support, reducing stigma and providing resources for individuals in crisis. The university began offering Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in the fall of 2017. The program is modeled after physical first aid and teaches participants to recognize someone who may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan to support their immediate safety.

ASIST is a two-day training program provided by the Centre for Suicide Prevention, that empowers participants to engage with and intervene for individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. By offering resources and promoting the development of skills, the university aims to create an environment that is both mentally supportive and open to conversations about mental health challenges. This training equips participants with the knowledge and tools to recognize signs of distress, engage with empathy and connect individuals with appropriate resources.

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry’s Lisa Purdy has taken the ASIST program, the ASIST Tune Up, and shared her thoughts on how ASIST has helped equip her with the confidence, skills and compassion needed to make a difference.

The intersection of mental health and education has become more apparent, Lisa says. Her previous role as a program director provided first-hand insight into the evolving intersection of mental health and education. She discovered a shift in her interactions with students, spending more time addressing mental health concerns rather than just academic issues. Moreover, she observed a concerning trend where academic problems often had roots in mental health struggles.

Lisa's decision to enroll in ASIST training was prompted by a "near miss" event that underscored the necessity of equipping herself with the tools to navigate conversations about suicide.

“The type of stress students were experiencing was becoming more complex and I needed skills to help appropriately triage students, respond to things they were disclosing to me and get them appropriate help,” Lisa says.

Assuming the role of Assistant Dean in the Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing provided Lisa with a comprehensive view of ongoing mental health challenges.

“This experience completely normalized talking about mental health. It required quick thinking and problem-solving abilities. There can be a subtlety to the communication when people are experiencing thoughts of suicide. ASIST training covers that and what to do next,” Lisa says.

As part of the World Suicide Prevention programing, the Days of Action committee engaged in a panel where faculty, staff and students weighed in on their experiences with suicide and suicide prevention. Joannie, a student on campus, shared the importance faculty can have on students.

Through the ASIST training, Lisa has confidence to engage in candid conversations with students and colleagues alike.

“I have the confidence to be more direct to ask questions about how they are feeling, ask if they are having thoughts of suicide. That is a game changer as everyone is so reticent to simply come out and ask, ‘are you thinking about suicide?’ when they are trying to support someone who is struggling,” she says.

Embracing moments of silence during difficult conversations became another acquired skill. ASIST training encouraged Lisa to appreciate the power of silence in allowing emotions to surface and meaningful discussions to unfold. The training also offered a broader perspective on addressing thoughts of suicide – understanding that immediate emergency intervention might not always be required.

Reflecting on the impact of ASIST training, Lisa emphasized that the benefits extend to anyone in a role supporting students or individuals who often become a go-to source for others. The skills acquired through ASIST training transcend job titles, making it a valuable asset for staff across various units and roles. ASIST not only equips staff to navigate challenging conversations but also nurtures a culture of collaboration, empathy, and understanding that benefits students, colleagues and the institution as a whole.

ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Skill Training empowers faculty and staff to be proactive advocates for mental health, not just within the workplace but in all aspects of life. By developing the skills to recognize, intervene, and support individuals at risk of suicide, managers can create a workplace that values mental health and well-being.

World Suicide Prevention day is September 10, and in addition to the ASIST training, the Days of Action committee has scheduled various programming for faculty, staff and students to raise awareness and learn the signs.

The next ASIST training is scheduled for Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, 2023. Staff can register free of charge via the LearnCentre. A speedcode must be provided upon registration for late cancellations and no-shows.

Additional Upcoming Mental Health Training

• Mental Health First Aid: October 18, 2023 - 9 a.m.
• ASIST: Nov.1-2, 2023 - 8 a.m.
• Managers for Mental Health Training: January 18, 2024 - 9 a.m.
• Mental Health First Aid: January 26, 2024 - 9 a.m.

The University of Alberta is committed to the safety, health and well-being of our faculty, staff and students. Every day, we advance this commitment to safety through the Culture of Care.