Category Archives: Suicide Prevention

Classes and Courses, Mental Health, Mental Hygiene, Personal Growth, Suicide Prevention

A Conversation That Matters

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I’m honored to be part of a powerful collaboration to confront escalating suicide rates. RSU 19 Adult Education, American Legion Post 73, and I are joining hands to offer a free workshop to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of this growing healthcare crisis.

It is up to all of us—educators, veterans, families, and community members—to unite in this significant cause. Through education, support, and open dialogue, we can contribute to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and work towards a future where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to seek help.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged by calling RSU 19 Adult Education at 368-3290. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the Post will be providing light refreshments.

For additional information and FAQ regarding the workshop content and attendance visit this page.

Suicide Prevention FAQ
Classes and Courses, Learning, Personal Growth, Substitute Teaching, Suicide Prevention, Teaching

Upcoming Programs and Activities

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Substitute Teacher Workshop: Tuesday, April 2, and Tuesday, April 9, at Nokomis Adult Education in Newport. (Must attend two evenings.)

Maine State 4-H Public Speaking Tournament is Saturday, April 6 and I will again be serving as a judge!

Bikes for Books at PCES on Friday, April 12. (Closed event, contact school for more information.)

Suicide Awareness and Prevention: Tuesday, April 16 at Nokomis Adult Education in Newport.

Substitute Teacher Workshop: Tuesday, April 23 at Spruce Mountain Adult Education in Livermore Falls. (All day workshop.)

Crisis Intervention Strategies is the course I will be teaching at Beal University during Mod 5 starting on April 28th.

Coming in May… a “joint venture” Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshop in the Corinna area!

Causes and Friends, Maine Life, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

Resources You Should Know

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These resources came in part from an e-newseltter from Maine Senator Stacy Guerin. All are free and I have “vetted” them.

Anyone affected by the violence in Lewiston is encouraged to reach out and connect with behavioral health support. Incidents of mass violence can lead to a range of emotional reactions, including anxiety, fear, anger, despair and a sense of helplessness that may begin immediately or in the days or weeks following the event.

Seek help immediately if you or someone you know is talking about suicide, feelings of hopelessness or unbearable pain, or about being a burden to others.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

For those in need of immediate support:

Call or text 988: This suicide and behavioral health crisis hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained crisis specialists offering free, confidential support for anyone. Specialists also can respond by chat at 988lifeline.org. Information for the deaf and hard of hearing is available here.

Text “Hello” to 741 741. (Actually, any word will do!) The Crisis Text Line is data-driven and has an excellent track record. Highly recommended for teens and youth.

Clinicians, educators and first responders can call (800) 769-9819: The FrontLine WarmLine offers free support services to help these professionals manage the stress of responding to disasters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

If you’re unsure, contact 211. It provides general information, including how to access behavioral health and social service resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information can also be found at 211maine.org.

All of these resources provide free, confidential support.

The State of Maine has created a dedicated webpage with these and other resources, including online support and resources for children and families.

Please share this post freely. Be sensitive to your friends and neighbors and if they seem to be troubled, do not hesitate to show that you care and listen. You can even offer to help them contact one of these helpful resources.

Communication, Mental Health, Mental Hygiene, Suicide Prevention

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

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On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) transitioned to an easy-to-remember, 3-digit number (988).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The original number will continue to work. 988 is built off of that 10-digit number. Using either number will get people to the same services. In the end, 988 is an easier-to-remember way to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers.

In Maine, calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline have been routed to the existing Maine Crisis Line since 2018. With Saturday’s launch of 988, the process remains the same — only the number is changing.

The Maine Crisis Line will continue to answer calls, texts and chats to the current 10-digit number (1-888-568-1112) and calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK), as well as answering calls to the 988 Line. Texts and chats to 988 continue to be handled by the national Lifeline support center.  Regardless of which number individuals dial, calls are answered 24/7 with free, confidential help and support for non-English speaking and deaf or hard-of-hearing callers.

Causes and Friends, Communication, Mental Health, Mental Hygiene, Suicide Prevention

Whatever Gets you talking!

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Today (September 10, 2020) is Suicide Prevention Day! Of course, in practice, everyday should be suicide prevention day. One great way to prevent suicide is to talk! Talking is about connecting and feeling connected is what’s called a “protective factor.”

An understated challenge we are facing is being able to feel connected while maintaining social distancing. The JED Foundation has some great resources on the topic, including “gifs” you can include in text messages and this little video. (I confess this isn’t my favorite music style but it’s worth the two minutes it will take to watch it.)

Here’s an example of one of the many gifs/stickers available. Today would be a great day to reach out and let some folks know “I’m here for you!”

Mental Health Friends Sticker by Seize the Awkward for iOS & Android | GIPHY