Sources of Strength a Groundbreaking and Innovative Approach Suicide Prevention
At Sources of Strength, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. Our mission is to prevent suicide, bullying, and substance misuse by fostering strength, resilience, and hope. A new study published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reinforces the impact of our approach: a 29% reduction in new suicide attempts. This breakthrough demonstrates the effectiveness of strength-based, peer-led initiatives that empower youth to cope with challenges in health ways and normalize help seeking. In this blog, we’ll discuss what this research means for the future of suicide prevention and how Sources of Strength continues to lead the charge in providing hope, help, and strength to youth throughout the US & Canada.
Here’s the full American Journal of Public Health Research Article.
How Sources of Strength Creates Lasting Change
Sources of Strength utilizes a unique, upstream approach that emphasizes building resilience and creating a network of support before a crisis occurs. The results of this latest research further validate that when youth are equipped with tools for coping, mental well-being, and positive connections, they are much better positioned to avoid crisis situations.
Peer-Led Support Drives Change
One of the core tenets of the Sources of Strength program is its peer-led approach, where young people become leaders in promoting hope and creating supportive environments for their peers. The 29% reduction in new suicide attempts demonstrated by the study highlights the strength of this model. Peer leaders are instrumental in normalizing conversations about mental health, encouraging others to seek help, and modeling resilient behavior.
- Peer leadership: Youth are trained to be advocates for mental well-being, fostering an environment where help-seeking behaviors are normalized and supported.
- Empathy and connection: Peer leaders, many of whom have faced similar challenges, create authentic connections that inspire others to believe in their own resilience and strength.
- Building a culture of hope: These programs empower youth to see hope in themselves and in their communities, making it easier to navigate difficult times.
Strength-Based Approaches Help Build Resilience
At Sources of Strength, we know that focusing on resilience and protective factors is key to preventing negative outcomes like suicide. The research findings align perfectly with our belief that when young people have access to the right support systems and coping tools, they are better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
- Hope: We instill hope by showing youth that even in hard times, they have the strength to overcome adversity.
- Healthy coping mechanisms: By teaching effective ways to deal with stress and emotional struggles, our programs help participants build resilience.
- Supportive networks: Through peer-led groups and the broader community, youth are empowered to lean on others when they need help, knowing they are never alone.
Creating a Culture of Support and Resilience
The research results also highlight the broader impact of creating a culture of support within communities. At Sources of Strength, we focus on building connections between youth and their support systems—whether that be peers, trusted adults, or the larger community. This interconnectedness ensures that when young people face challenges, they have multiple sources of support to draw from.
Peer Networks Create a Ripple Effect
The strength of peer networks is undeniable. Our peer leaders don’t just help those within their immediate circles—they set off a ripple effect that extends throughout their schools and communities. As these youth embrace hope, resilience, and support, they inspire others to do the same.
- Strengthening relationships: Peer-led programs foster meaningful connections among young people, creating a culture where support is always available.
- Engagement and advocacy: Peer leaders actively engage in promoting mental well-being and resilience, encouraging others to join the conversation and seek help when necessary.
- Creating safe spaces: These programs create spaces where it’s okay to talk about mental health, reducing stigma and making it easier for youth to ask for support.
Proud partners like Suicide Prevention Resource Center shared the new research impact further validating this work.
The Lasting Impact of Prevention
By addressing the need for prevention early, Sources of Strength ensures that youth are equipped with the resources they need to navigate the ups and downs of life. The study’s 29% reduction in new suicide attempts confirms the success of this proactive approach, showing that prevention works when done with care, intention, and strength.
- Prevention over intervention: By focusing on prevention, we reduce the likelihood of crises before they occur, providing lasting support and strength to those who need it most.
- Sustained impact: The youth involved in Sources of Strength programs often carry these lessons with them for life, fostering a culture of resilience and well-being that extends far beyond the classroom or group setting.
Sources of Strength: A Path to Prevention, Resilience, and Hope
The findings from this groundbreaking research show that Sources of Strength’s approach to suicide prevention is not only effective but necessary. With a 29% reduction in new suicide attempts, this study highlights the importance of strength-based, peer-led initiatives in creating lasting, positive change.
Over A Decades Worth of Research
Dr. Peter Wyman and colleagues have studied Sources of Strength for over a decade, validating the impact of the Secondary Program model through three randomized controlled trials. Here’s his latest research paper. Here’s his latest research paper.
At Sources of Strength, we believe in the power of hope, help, and strength—providing young people with the tools, support, and belief they need to face life’s challenges head-on. With every new step forward, we continue our mission to create a world where young people are not just surviving, but thriving.
To learn more about our Secondary Program, head to this link.
Get involved with Sources of Strength today to help make a difference in the lives of youth and ensure that the next generation has the resilience, hope, and support to build a brighter, healthier future. Please connect with us via this form or scheduling a call with our team via the button below!Schedule a