Suicide
DID YOU KNOW?
(1) Suicide affects all ages from young children to senior citizens. It is most common among middle aged men.
(2) Suicide remains a rare event, but it is increasing. In CT, almost 14% of high schoolers consider suicide each year and 8% make an attempt. In some communities, the rate is even higher in middle schools.
(3) Suicide is usually related to depression or another mental illness, but up to half of people who could use counseling do not seek help.
(4) Suicide represents an individual's sense of hopelessness in the face of their problems. By reaching out and offering hope, we all have the opportunity to save a life. Take a QPR or other suicide prevention training! (Find training here)
Check out our 2019 regional profiles on mental health and suicide in Southwest CT.
Scroll down for resources and for information on our Southwest Regional Suicide Advisory Board.
Regional Suicide Advisory Board
Our Southwest CT Regional Suicide Advisory Board (SW RSAB) was launched in September 2019 and meets quarterly. Its purpose is "To serve as a regional resource for Southwestern CT for strategically planning, coordinating and supporting suicide awareness and safety efforts across the continuum of prevention, intervention, postvention and grief support, and recovery.”
The group is open to anyone interested in making an impact on suicide in the region. Members include individuals who have attempted suicide or experienced suicide loss, therapists, support group leaders, municipal social services and health staff, school personnel, first responders, and others. To join, please email info@thehubct.org.
Suicide
SUICIDE RESOURCES
Regional info:
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The Hub's 2019 infographic on suicide in Southwest CT here
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The Hub's 2021 graphic of local suicide resources here
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2019 regional profiles on mental health and suicide in Southwest CT
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2020 Infographic on Suicide in CT from AFSP here
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Scroll on for information about our Southwest Regional Suicide Advisory Board
Awareness Videos:
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Inspirational TED Talk by Nancy Lublin about the Crisis Text Line
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Sober: Suicide and Addiction Music Video by Jordan Meyer
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1-800-273-8255 video by Logic about the national lifeline
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"Why We Need to Talk about Depression" by Kevin Breel, young adult author of Confessions of a Depressed Comic
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Now Matters Now videos & resources
Downloadable Prevention Resources:
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#RealConvo guides from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (new in 2020)
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Infographic prepared for CT Prevention Week 2020
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Addressing a Crisis: Cross-Sector Strategies to Prevent Adolescent Substance Use and Suicide Report (10/2019)
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Treatment for Suicidal Ideation, Self-harm, and Suicide Attempts Among Youth
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Universal Suicide Risk Screening: a strategy to save children’s lives
Suicide awareness and gatekeeper trainings:
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Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training is a 1.5-2 hour training aimed at the general public. It provides information about signs & symptoms, a 3-step first aid plan, and information about where and how to refer people for help
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safeTALK is a 3 hour training appropriate for the general public
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Talk Saves Lives is a 30 to 60 minute slideshow for the general public
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ASIST is an intensive 2-day suicide intervention training with lots of role play
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There are also specific trainings for schools (Signs of Suicide, More Than Sad...)
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Contact us for help in identifying a trainer:
AFTER a suicide: Downloadable Postvention Resources:
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Comprehensive set of resources for schools, communities, media, memorialization, etc. from the CT Suicide Advisory Board here
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Suicide & Social Media: a Tipsheet for Parents & Providers from AAS
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Suicide Coping Tips for grieving adults, children & schools from the APA
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A Postvention Guide for Suicide on College Campuses from the Higher Education Mental Health Alliance
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Postvention toolkit for schools from Headspace