OSPF Staff Spotlight: Daniel Bennett

During Suicide Prevention Month, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is proud to spotlight the passionate team members working to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness across Ohio. Through four key questions, they’ll share their stories, offer insight into their work, their dedication to suicide prevention, and how they care for their mental well-being. 

Daniel Bennett, Director at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, supports the growth of Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Coalitions and works on the Ohio Coalition Institute and the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health. 

Q1: What inspired you to work in the suicide prevention field?  

A1: I think a better question for me is what inspired me to stay in suicide prevention. When I started this work, I didn’t have a connection to suicide. I started because the job fit my skill set and I felt comfortable having the conversation. It wasn’t until after I started in the field that family stories began to be shared with me and I realized just how much suicide and suicide prevention had touched my life. I have stayed in this field because I have seen the devastation suicide can have on a family or a community, but I have also seen how suicidal people can be helped with compassion, with a willingness to listen, and with a little bit of hope. I can’t think of a better way to give back than to support people when they are feeling their lowest and this work give so much back to me when I can see someone who was struggling, start to thrive again.  

Q2: What is one project or moment at OSPF that you’re especially proud of?  

A2: One project that I have been especially proud of at OSPF would be our regional in-person coalition meetings. We were able to bring together coalition leaders from across Ohio to discuss successes, brainstorm addressing weaknesses, and looking for solutions for gaps in our coalitions. Nearly all of Ohio counties have a suicide prevention coalition. Inviting those folks into the same room, having them show up to do the work, and leaving the meeting with new ideas and partnerships highlights the power coalitions can have to reduce suicide locally.  

Q3: How do you prioritize self-care and mental wellness in your own life?  

A3: I prioritize my mental wellness by taking time to do the things I love in life. I hunt and fish, coach baseball, spend time with my family, golf (poorly), and I read.  

  Q4: What message would you share with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting a loved one in crisis?  

A4: My message for someone experiencing a mental health crisis would be to not give up hope, and also that you don’t have to go through this alone. There is always someone willing to listen and someone who cares. For those people supporting a loved one in crisis, know that this isn’t a linear process. There might be good and bad days, but you can help them get through this. Focus your energy on letting them know you are there for them. Don’t be too worried about saying or doing the wrong thing, so long as you are willing to be in the space with them and support them. And remember to take care of your own mental health. Being supportive and caring about someone who is struggling can be overwhelming. If you don’t take care of your own mental health, you won’t be able to give them the support they need.