Information to Help Prevent Suicide

From Upper Valley Mental Health Resource Guide
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(From The Connect Program)


Sometimes it can be difficult to tell warning signs from “normal” behavior especially in adolescents. Ask yourself, Is the behavior I am seeing very different for this particular person? Also, recognize that sometimes those who are depressed can appear angry, irritable, and/or hostile in addition to withdrawn and quiet.


Recognize the Warning Signs for Suicide:

Talking about or threatening to hurt or kill oneself.

Seeking firearms, drugs, or other lethal means for killing onseself.

Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide.

Direct statements or less direct statements of suicidal intent. (Ex. I’m just going to end it all or Everything would be easier if I wasn’t around.)

Feeling hopeless.

Feeling rage or uncontrollable anger or seeking revenge.

Feeling trapped and like there’s no way out.

Dramatic mood changes.


Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities.

Increasing alcohol or drug use.

Withdrawing from friends, family, and society.

Feeling anxious or agitated.

Being unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time.


Things you can do to help:

Ask directly about their suicidal feelings. Talking about suicide is the first step to preventing suicide.

Let them know you care.

Stay with them until a parent or professional is involved.

Offer a message of hope. Let them know you will assist them in getting help.

Connect them with help. National Suicide Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) (press “1” for veterans)

For a more complete list of warning signs as well as comprehensive lists of risk factors and protective factors, you can consult with the Connect website at http://www.theconnectprogram.org and click on Understanding Suicide.

SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

FREE Connect Suicide Prevention Training at DHMC Heater Road

The UVSMPP (Upper Valley Substance Misuse Prevention Partnership) is offering a Connect Suicide Prevention Training for individuals who work in Social Service Agencies on Monday July 21st from 8:00am to 3:00pm. See information below for those who are not with a social service agency.

Social service agencies offer a broad spectrum of programs and services to a wide variety of clients. Since suicide is a major public health issue, social service agency staff should be trained to recognize individuals at risk for suicide and learn strategies for connecting them to help. Designated a National Best Practice program, Connect training utilizes a unique community-based model designed to increase the competence of social service providers in responding to suicide incidents and individuals at risk. Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training for social service providers includes a review of National Best Practice suicide prevention/intervention policies and procedures specific to social service organizations, interactive case scenarios and discussion on how to integrate key community services for an effective and comprehensive response.

  • LENGTH: 7 hours (8 am to 3 pm)
  • AUDIENCE: Staff working in any social service setting. Social service agencies can include a wide range of organizations, such as family service organizations, summer camps, faith-based programs, after-school drop-in programs, recreational groups, residential programs, domestic violence services, homeless shelters, family planning and other health-related services.
  • LOCATION: Conference Room 1A at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Heater Road located at 18 Old Etna Road, Lebanon, NH 03766.
  • REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION: The training is free to all participants. Registration is required by Friday July 11th. Click here to go to the online registration form. Contact Aita Romain at aita.v.romain@hitchcock.org with questions. For additional information about NAMI in the Upper Valley go to http://www.uvmentalhealth.org/

For those who are not with a social service agency, you can register and attend only in the morning.

  • LENGTH: 4.5 hours (8 am to 12:30 pm)
  • AUDIENCE: Community Member (gatekeeper) training is designed for a general audience of adults in any kind of community setting-parents, volunteers, professionals/ para-professionals, business owners, civic groups, community recreation programs and any other interested citizens.
  • REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION: The training is free to all participants. Registration is required by Friday July 11th. Click here to go to the online registration form. Contact Aita Romain at aita.v.romain@hitchcock.org with questions. For additional information about NAMI in the Upper Valley go to http://www.uvmentalhealth.org/
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