Register Now: Navigating Grief with Teens After Suicide Loss

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day offers a space for those who have lost loved ones to suicide

Supporting Teens After Suicide Loss: Film Screening and Discussion November 23 @ 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET Location Modern Theatre – Suffolk University 525 Washington St. Boston, MA 02111 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day offers a space for those who have lost loved ones to suicide to find comfort and understanding through sharing their stories. This year, join Samaritans, Rethink The Conversation, and Coping After Suicide, for a screening of the award-winning film, Talking OutLOUD: Teens & Suicide Loss, A Conversation. Hear from Executive Producer Joanne Harpel and Coping After Suicide's national Teens Group facilitator Steven Karaiskos, who will discuss the film's impact and how to support young people coping with suicide loss. A panel of suicide loss survivors will also share their personal stories and explore the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding suicide loss. A post-event reception will be held for reflection and to connect with our community of loss survivors. This event offers a meaningful opportunity for loss survivors and those who support them to come together with a supportive community who understands the painful experience of losing a loved one to suicide. This event is suitable for ages 12 and up. Register to Attend     Watch the Trailer >>>   About Talking OutLOUD: Teens & Suicide Loss, A Conversation Nearly a million teenagers lose someone to suicide every year. Until now, there's been nothing for them in the voices of their peers. And while significant attention has been paid to the critical issue of teen suicide, the experience of teens left behind after a suicide is rarely discussed. Talking OutLOUD: Teens & Suicide Loss, A Conversation has changed that. This award-winning landmark film features five members of Coping After Suicide's Teens Group who share, with parents and family members watching, their deeply personal yet universal experiences.   This event is made possible with support from:   Losing a loved one to suicide is a painful and difficult experience. Samaritans is here to offer suicide loss survivors nonjudgmental listening and peer support. We provide in person and virtual programs to support survivors in their grieving. Get support at samaritanshope.org/gss.   Call or text 988 if you are lonely, worried about a loved one, or struggling with thoughts of suicide. We are here to listen, 24/7.  Youth under 25 can text Hey Sam at 439-726. Samaritans 41 West St., 4th Floor Boston, MA 02111

Hey, Sam: Support Youth Mental Health for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

We are focusing on promoting Hey Sam, our mental health text support line for youth

Dear Neighbor,    For the second week of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we are focusing on promoting Hey Sam, our mental health support text line for youth, by youth. People under 24 can text Hey Sam at 439-726 9am-12am (midnight) ET if they are feeling depressed, overwhelmed, or having thoughts of suicide.  We will be posting content created by young people on the Hey Sam Instagram every day this week. Help us amplify the incredible work our young people are doing to support each other!    Take Action Make sure you are following Hey Sam on Instagram and share our posts every day.  Save Hey Sam (439-726) in the phone of a young person in your life.  Print this Hey Sam poster and hang it in your school, workplace, or community to spread awareness and show young people they are not alone.  Wear your Hey Sam or Samaritans swag on National Suicide Prevention Day—Wednesday, September 10—to start a conversation about Samaritans and the work we do.  BONUS: Share a photo of you in your Samaritans or Hey Sam swag on social media! Don't forget to tag us and use the hashtag #SuicidePreventionMonth    Upcoming Events Be the Connection: Understanding and Preventing Suicide Friday, September 13 at 12pm ET Learn More Here>> In recognition of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in September, join Samaritans and a panel of local experts for a discussion on mental health awareness in Boston. This webinar is free and a copy of the recording will be sent to all who register. World Suicide Prevention Day Thursday, September 10 at 7:10pm ET For National Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans will be at the Red Sox game to spread awareness of our suicide prevention services. Join us at Fenway Park, or tune in at home.    Spread the Word Asking about suicide can be scary, but it is very important to find out how much danger someone may be in. Many people are afraid to talk about their suicidal thoughts. They fear that others will react with blame, fear, panic, or guilt. Research shows that asking about suicide will not suggest the idea to someone.  If you think someone might be considering suicide, listen with care and encourage them to share their feelings.  Asking about suicide isn't easy, but noticing someone's pain can be the first step toward saving a life. Learn more at samaritanshope.org/get-help. @SamaritansHope #BeTheConnection #SuicidePreventionMonth  On World Suicide Prevention Day, take a moment to think about how you can be the connection someone might desperately need. Remember these three steps if you think someone may be struggling.  Reach out: Many people are afraid to talk about suicide, but it is often a great relief to someone thinking about suicide to know that you have noticed their pain. Often, people struggling with depression or having suicidal thoughts give clues to how they're feeling.  Listen: After you have listened for a while, ask directly: "I'm concerned about you. Are you thinking about killing yourself?" If the answer is yes, keep listening and show the person you care.  Get help: A suicidal person needs a lot of support – more than any one person can give. Whether they have a plan or not, connect with professional resources like counselors or crisis centers. You don't have to handle it alone—support is available.  If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can find resources at samaritanshope.org/get-help. You can also always call 988 for free, non-judgmental support.  @Samaritanshope #BeTheConnection #SuicidePreventionMonth  You are receiving this email because you indicated an interest in our work -- thank you! Samaritans 41 West St., 4th Floor Boston, MA 02111

Samaritans: Webinar scheduled for Sep 13 on "Preventing Suicide in Boston"

Join us for an essential talk on mental health awareness in our community

Please join our upcoming webinar dedicated to exploring local resources and starting impactful conversations surrounding mental health.  Be the Connection Understanding and Preventing Suicide in Boston September 13th @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET Zoom Webinar   In Massachusetts, one person dies by suicide every 15 hours. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in September, join Samaritans and a panel of local experts for a discussion on mental health awareness in Boston. Learn about local resources, including programs designed to support communities of color. Find out how you can be the connection to support someone who is struggling. Explore ways to start important conversations about suicide to reduce the stigma around mental health in our city. Together, we can create a world without suicide.    Register to Attend   Who Are the Panelists?  Dr. Brandy Brooks is the Executive Director of Boston's Higher Ground, a nonprofit focused on improving outcomes in education, housing, and health for children and families in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan.   Lakisha Renee Austin, LICSW, MBA, MSW, is a certified life coach with over 20 years of experience helping people achieve professional and personal goals. She is the CEO and founder of Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives Therapeutic Coaching Services LLC. She is the curator of Conversation with Coach LA radio show/podcast, self-care events, and her signature coaching programs BET on SELF, and The F.E.M.E. project.  Kathy Kim is a community activist and the daughter of the late Mr. Kim of Alpha & Omega, a sneaker store in Roxbury founded in 1977. She is also a board member of Haley House, a local nonprofit that addresses housing and food insecurity.    Ruthzee Louijeune is serving her second term as City Councilor At-Large and unanimously elected as Boston City Council President, is a grounded, thoughtful, and inclusive leader. A dedicated public servant, Ruthzee is committed to fostering shared prosperity in Boston with a focus on justice and equity. Moderator: Fred Bernabe, Psy.D. Candidate, M.Ed., is Senior Director of Community Education and Outreach at Samaritans. Fred is an experienced mental health therapist, facilitator, trainer, licensed math teacher, entrepreneur, and equity advocate from Dorchester, MA. As a first-generation Haitian American, he is fluent in Haitian Creole and American Sign Language. He is also a current leadership psychology doctoral student at William James College.  You are receiving this email because you indicated an interest in our work -- thank you! Samaritans 41 West St., 4th Floor Boston, MA 02111