Videos help McIntosh reach troubled teens

A specialist in suicidology, McIntosh’s instructional videotapes teach what to look for and what to do

Now, with the distribution help of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program and the Light for Life Foundation International, McIntosh’s message has found a wider audience through two instructional video lectures on the warning signs of suicide. Production was funded by a grant from the Junior League of South Bend for the Community Resource Center.

The videotapes, used as instructional aids by educators and groups working with teens, present data about teen suicides, the clues that may surface if someone is contemplating suicide and ways to approach the suicidal person.

“The video message speaks of real issues, clues to a possible suicide,” McIntosh said. “It doesn’t instruct people how to do therapy. It tells them to stay with the teen and get help. The tapes help people recognize the pain others may be going through.”

A member of the faculty since 1979, McIntosh is currently the chairman of IU South Bend’s psychology department. He is the author of six books on suicide, has contributed chapters in other books and written articles on the topic for professional journals.

Since the release of the videotapes last fall, sales have been widespread, and the videotapes have begun to make an impact. Their viewing inspired the establishment of a Yellow Ribbon chapter in Bloomington. And for McIntosh, impact is the goal. Through the tapes, his research can be utilized by perhaps thousands of people who may see a loved one in danger but are unsure how to react or where to reach out for help.