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Help is available 24/7. For mental health emergencies, contact 988 anytime for immediate assistance. NH but does not have a 603 area code, rapid response line at 833-710-6477 is still the best option for support.

Know the Signs

Raising awareness and breaking down the stigma of mental health and suicide prevention

For this month’s blog, we interviewed Gina Pasquale, Executive Director of Maps Counseling Services to help raise awareness during September, National Suicide Prevention Month.

Maps Counseling Services is a non-profit mental health center with offices in Keene and Peterborough. As Executive Director, Gina oversees a team of skilled therapists who work with clients across their lifespans, addressing a wide range of mental health issues. Maps clinicians have a variety of specialties including trauma, substance use, neurodiversity, spiritually integrated psychotherapy, and many more. At Maps, they focus not only on treatment but also on prevention and community engagement, understanding that mental health care extends beyond the therapy room. They collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community groups to offer workshops, training, and support, fostering a culture of mental well-being throughout the region.

Why is it important to have National Suicide Prevention Month and other awareness initiatives in place?

National Suicide Prevention Month and similar awareness initiatives are crucial because they bring attention to the critical issue of suicide, which affects:

  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Communities

These initiatives help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, encouraging open conversations and ensuring that people know where to turn for help.

Beyond individual efforts, it’s also essential to recognize the role of community prevention strategies. These initiatives provide a framework for communities to implement policies, resources, and support that can significantly reduce the prevalence of suicide.

These efforts remind us of the importance of ongoing learning from the lived experiences of those who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, as well as staying informed by current research in the field.

Raising Awareness around issues in the Monadnock Region

The clinicians at Maps have observed an increase in anxiety and depression among youth and young adults, particularly since the pandemic.

Many young people are struggling with the pressures of academic performance, social dynamics, and the uncertainties of the future.

Simultaneously we’ve seen an increase in the use of social media, which can sometimes exacerbate feelings of isolation or inadequacy.

While these trends are not unique to the Monadnock Region, the close-knit nature of our community means that the impact of these struggles can be deeply felt. It’s vitally important to listen to the voices of our youth and young adults to understand their specific challenges and experiences better, ensuring that our approaches to prevention and intervention are truly responsive to their needs.

Impactful Action

According to Gina, as a community, there are several impactful strategies we can implement to help reduce the prevalence of suicide among youth and young adults:

  1. Promote Mental Health Education and Awareness: We can continue to educate youth and adults about mental health, teaching them to recognize the signs of distress and normalize seeking help. This education can take place in schools, workplaces, and community centers.
  2. Strengthen Support Networks: We can encourage strong connections within families, peer groups, and community organizations. This helps provide young people with a sense of belonging and support. Initiatives that foster mentorship, peer support groups, and family engagement can make a significant difference.
  3. Advocate for Accessible Mental Health Services: We can work as a community to ensure mental health services are easily accessible, affordable, and tailored to the needs of youth. This includes both in-person services and telehealth options, making it easier for young people to reach out for help when they need it.

Be Aware

There are several warning signs that someone might be struggling and in need of help:

  • Changes in Behavior: This could include withdrawal from social activities, noticeable changes in sleep patterns, or a decline in academic or work performance.
  • Expressions of Hopelessness or Helplessness: If someone is talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or like they have no purpose, these are significant red flags.
  • Sudden Mood Changes: While prolonged sadness is a concern, sudden and unexplained mood improvements can also be a warning sign, as it may indicate someone has decided to end their life.
  • Talking About Death or Suicide: Any direct or indirect mentions of suicide, such as talking about being a burden to others or making plans for the future that don’t involve them, should be taken seriously.

What to do if someone exhibits these signs:

If you notice someone exhibiting these signs, it’s crucial to act immediately:

  • Engage in Open Communication: Start a conversation with the person, expressing your concern and willingness to listen. Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide—this can be a difficult question to ask, but it’s important for opening up a dialogue.
  • Encourage Professional Help: Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional, or assist them in making an appointment if necessary. Offer to go with them if that would make them feel more comfortable.
  • Remove Access to Means: If the person is in immediate danger, try to remove any means of harm, such as firearms or medications, from their environment, and stay with them until professional help arrives.
  • Contact Emergency Services: If the situation is critical, don’t hesitate to call emergency services or a crisis hotline for immediate assistance.
In conclusion, it’s important to mention the importance of ongoing community education and dialogue. Mental health and suicide prevention aren’t one-time efforts but require sustained attention and adaptation as we learn more from research and from those who are living with these challenges. By fostering a community culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported, we can continue to make strides in prevention and ensure that everyone has access to the help they need.

The team at Trauma Responsive Monadnock thanks Gina Pasquale immensely for contributing to this month’s topic and sharing her knowledge as we collaborate to raise awareness in our region around youth mental health and suicide.

If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency or feeling like you could harm yourself or someone else, there are community services to help:

Monadnock Family Services: 603.357.4400
Suicide Prevention: Text or call 988

MONAD-TALKS

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