Category Archives: Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Week “Reconnect” Activity Challenge #2

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🧩 Today’s Suicide Prevention Week “Reconnect” Activity Challenge is all about having fun while learning more about suicide prevention! Join in by completing Find the Words Cross Word Puzzle and posting a picture!
Learn more at suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php.

For full list of free events happening throughout this month in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, visit SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact one of these 24/7 hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 
StarVista Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350 
Crisis Text Line: Text “Bay” to 741-741

🧩 ¡Hoy, la actividad “Reconectar” del desafío (“challenge”) de la Semana de la prevención del suicidio es divertirse mientras se obtiene información sobre la prevención del suicidio! ¡Forme parte de la actividad “encuentre la palabra en la sopa de letras/crucigrama” y publique una fotografía!
Obtenga más información en suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php. 

Para conocer una lista completa de los eventos gratuitos de este mes en honor al mes de la prevención del suicidio, visite SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month. 

Si usted o alguien a quien conoce tiene pensamientos suicidas, llame a alguna de estas líneas de ayuda, las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana:
Línea nacional de prevención del suicidio 1-800-273-8255 
Línea directa para crisis de StarVista: 650-579-0350 
Línea de mensajes de texto ante crisis: Envíe “Bay” al 741-741

Suicide Prevention Week “Reconnect” Activity Challenge #1

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💬 Today marks the official kick-off of the Suicide Prevention Week “Reconnect” Activity Challenge! Today’s challenge is focused on reconnecting and creating a safe space, something everyone can do to play a role in suicide prevention. Take some time today to reach out to someone in your life and create a safe space, letting them know that you are comfortable to talk about anything they need, including suicide. Learn more at suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php.

For full list of free events happening throughout this month in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, visit SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact one of these 24/7 hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 
StarVista Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350 
Crisis Text Line: Text “Bay” to 741-741

💬 ¡Hoy iniciamos la actividad “Reconectar” de la Semana de prevención del suicidio! El desafío (“challenge”) de hoy se enfoca en reco nectar y en crear un espacio seguro, algo que todos podemos hacer para jugar un papel en la prevención del suicidio. El día de hoy, dedique tiempo para conectarse con alguien vinculado a su vida y crear un espacio seguro, y hacerle saber a esa persona que usted está dispuesto a conversar sobre cualquier cosa que necesite, incluso sobre el suicidio. Obtenga más información en suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php. 

Para conocer una lista completa de los eventos gratuitos de este mes en honor al mes de la prevención del suicidio, visite SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month. 

Si usted o alguien a quien conoce tiene pensamientos suicidas, llame a alguna de estas líneas de ayuda, las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana:
Línea nacional de prevención del suicidio 1-800-273-8255 
Línea directa para crisis de StarVista: 650-579-0350 
Línea de mensajes de texto ante crisis: Envíe “Bay” al 741-741

Get Involved in Suicide Prevention Week & World Suicide Prevention Day!

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💪 Wondering how to get involved in Suicide Prevention Week (September 5-11) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)? Join in the “Reconnect” Activity Challenge! The challenge will take you through a series of five activities where you’ll connect with others, practice self-care, raise awareness and expand your suicide prevention knowledge. Review, complete, and share your finished challenges for a chance to win a Mental Health Thrival Kit. Learn more at suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php.

For full list of free events happening throughout this month in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, visit SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact one of these 24/7 hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255  StarVista Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350  Crisis Text Line: Text “Bay” to 741-741

💪 ¿Quiere saber cómo participar de la Semana para la prevención del suicidio (del 5 al 11 de septiembre) y el Día mundial de la prevención del suicidio (10 de septiembre)? ¡Únase a la actividad “Reconectar”! Este es un desafío o “challenge” que propone una serie de cinco actividades donde se conectará con otras personas, pondrá en práctica el autocuidado, creará consciencia y aumentará los conocimientos respecto a la prevención del suicidio. Repase, complete y comparta los desafíos completados para tener la oportunidad de ganar un kit para aumentar su salud mental. Obtenga más información en suicideispreventable.org/prevention-kit.php.

Para conocer una lista completa de los eventos gratuitos de este mes en honor al mes de la prevención del suicidio, visite SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month.

Si usted o alguien a quien conoce tiene pensamientos suicidas, llame a alguna de estas líneas de ayuda, las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana: Línea nacional de prevención del suicidio 1-800-273-8255  Línea directa para crisis de StarVista: 650-579-0350  Línea de mensajes de texto ante crisis: Envíe “Bay” al 741-741

Happy 2021 Suicide Prevention Month: Reconnect, Reenter, Rebuild!

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💚💜 Happy Suicide Prevention Month! SPM is the best time of year to empower the community to prevent suicide! For 2021, San Mateo County, Star Vista and partners are promoting the theme of “Supportive Transitions: Reconnect, Reenter, Rebuild.” Transitions, in any shape or size, can impact our mental health, and major life changes have long been understood to be environmental risk factors for suicide. Positive coping skills, resilience, and connectedness to family, friends, and our community can act as protective factors to help us navigate transitions.

While the pandemic has changed our fabric of life, it has also strengthened our resilience and resolve. As we re-enter life -whether it is going back to school, reconnecting with friends, rediscovering favorite places, or reimaging our future, transitions are easier when we navigate them together.

All of us can play a role in suicide prevention. Together we can reconnect, reenter and rebuild for the future!

What to look forward to this month: Along with a 5-day social media challenge during Suicide Prevention Week (September 5-11), we will be hosting free virtual & in-person events throughout the month in honor of suicide prevention. Check out our calendar of events, and register at SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month!

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact one of these 24/7 hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255  StarVista Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350  Crisis Text Line: Text “Bay” to 741-741

💚💜¡Feliz Mes de la prevención del suicidio! ¡El mes de la prevención del suicidio (Suicide Prevention Month) es el mejor momento del año para capacitar a la comunidad acerca de la prevención del suicidio! Para el 2021, el Condado de San Mateo, Star Vista y asociados promocionan el tema “Transiciones de apoyo: reconectar, retomar, reconstruir”. Las transiciones, de cualquier forma o dimensión que sean, pueden afectar nuestra salud mental, y los grandes cambios en nuestra vida se han entendido como factores de riesgo ambientales con relación al suicidio. Las habilidades de afrontamiento positivas, la resiliencia y la conexión con la familia, los amigos y nuestra comunidad, pueden actuar como factores de protección que nos ayudan a atravesar las transiciones.

Si bien la pandemia ha cambiado nuestra estructura de vida, también ha fortalecido nuestra resiliencia y determinación. A medida que retomamos nuestra vida, ya sea volviendo a la escuela, reconectando con amigos, redescubriendo nuestros lugares favoritos o repensando nuestro futuro, las transiciones son más sencillas cuando las atravesamos en compañía.

Qué esperar en este mes: Además del desafío de redes sociales de 5 días durante la Semana de prevención del suicidio (del 5 al 11 de septiembre), presentaremos eventos virtuales y presenciales de manera gratuita durante todo el mes, para honrar el mes de la prevención del suicidio. ¡Eche un vistazo a nuestro calendario de eventos y regístrese en SMCHealth.org/Suicide-Prevention-Month!

Si usted o alguien a quien conoce tiene pensamientos suicidas, llame a alguna de estas líneas de ayuda, las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana: Línea nacional de prevención del suicidio 1-800-273-8255 Línea directa para crisis de StarVista: 650-579-0350 Línea de mensajes de texto ante crisis: Envíe “Bay” al 741-741

Congrats to BurlingaMe High School for 1st place in the Directing Change Hope & Justice Category!

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The Directing Change Program launched a new category in September 2020 and the second round of winners have been announced here. The Hope & Justice category is an opportunity for youth living through history to express their feelings and to inspire others through art. Open young people ages 12-25, submissions are accepted in all art forms: original music, dance, spoken word, poems, short films, Tik Tok and more. Youth can select from three topics: Hope, Justice, or a monthly prompt. Submissions around “Hope” focus on sharing personal stories about what gives us hope during these challenging times and how we practice self-care. The “Justice” option asks youth to share a personal experience with discrimination or injustice that allows others to feel empathy, or entries can educate others about bias and encourage youth to take a stand against injustice when they see it.

  • October’s prompt was “Creative Ways to Measure 6-feet Physical Distancing” and asks youth to use their creativity to tell us how they creatively measure 6 feet physical distancing and why it’s important that we all practice this to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Hope & Justice Category Winner:

“Our short film is meant to inspire hope by documenting how writing poetry has given me (Ryan) a sense of hope during this pandemic. Mainly, it focuses on how poetry acts as an escape from all the stress and gloom of the current state of the world. The message is not specifically about poetry, but finding something or someone that can help cope with difficult emotions.”

To learn more about Directing Change and the Hope and Justice Category and to submit your art, visit: www.DirectingChangeCA.org  

Suicide Prevention Month 2020: Know the Signs

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Feelings of uncertainty and instability due to the unknown can take a huge toll on ourselves and everyone around us. According to the CDC, U.S. adults reported elevated of adverse mental health conditions recently. The increase was more significant among young adults, essential workers and minorities. Some people may be  fighting personal battles  –  questioning whether to continue to live through the emotional pain they are experiencing.  

We can all take simple actions to safeguard our mental health and save lives. Learn the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling.

How can I tell if someone is having thoughts of suicide? 

Although in-person interactions may be limited it is more important than ever to be vigilant for those around us to know the signs. Staying connected with regular check-ins is essential so you can recognize the warning signs. If you are worried that someone is having thoughts of suicide, the next step is to find the words and reach out. It’s important to talk openly about suicide, and to ask directly: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Are you having thoughts of ending your life?” Learn about the warning signs and risk factors for suicide at www.suicideispreventable.org. 

You can also attend one of the Suicide Prevention Month events happening this month: 

  • Sunday, September 20 | 6:00-8:30pm 
    Virtual Screening of the film “S-Word” 
  • Monday, September 21 | 6:00-8:00pm 
    Know the Signs of Suicide Among African American and Other Communities  
  • Monday, September 28 | 6:00-8:00pm  
    Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx 

For details and a full list of events throughout September,  visit smchealth.org/suicide-prevention-month. 

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out to these 24/7 crisis hotlines: StarVista Crisis Hotline (San Mateo County): 650-579-0350, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Crisis Text Line – Text “Home” to 741741 or find additional crisis resources here.  

 #BeTheOneSMC to reach out and check-in with someone you know. 

Voices of Recovery Screening: “The S word”

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September is both Recovery month and Suicide Prevention Month. Join Voices of Recovery for a free screening of “The S Word” which will address this important issue and give hope to survivors as well as those impacted by suicide. There will be time for questions and answers at the screening.

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 6–8 PM
Please register here.

See the full list of Recovery Month events at vorsmc.org/recovery-happens. All events are virtual. Please register in advance.

If you or some you know is in need of mental health or substance use support or treatment, call Behavioral Health & Recovery Services at 1-(800) 686 0101 or visit www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices

Suicide Prevention Month 2020 calendar of Events

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During September, San Mateo County recognizes both Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month where individuals, organizations and communities join their voices together to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented and recovery is possible.  As part of the many activities taking place this month, we are encouraging everyone to show their support by sharing their own stories and resources, or participate in the various Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month activities happening throughout the entire month. Together we can find hope, resilience and recovery. 

This year’s theme is  “Stronger Together.” Studies confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that connectedness is an important protective factor overall for suicide and that connectedness between individuals can lead to increased frequency of social contact, lowered levels of social isolation or loneliness, and an increased number of positive relationships. 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenge, and yet we have seen how communities can come together in innovative and supportive ways.

To show your support for these observances:

  1. Attend any of the free events happening throughout the month in honor of:
    1. Suicide Prevention Month: Calendar of Events Flyer | Most current event updates here
    2. Recovery Month: www.vorsmc.org/recovery-happens   
  2. Know the Signs for Suicide.  Learn how to recognize suicide warning signs, find the words and reach out for help at www.suicideispreventable.org. 

#BeTheOneSMC to reach out and connect with someone you know.

Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020

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Mini-Grants & Call for Events – Applications Due Wed, Aug 26 | 2020 Suicide Prevention Month

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SPMMiniGrantEventsFlyer

September is Suicide Prevention Month (SPM), which includes National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). SPM aims to empower everyone in the community to prevent suicide.

For 2020, San Mateo County and partners are promoting the theme of “Stronger Together” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that studies show that connectedness is overall an important protective factor for suicide and states, “[c]onnectedness between individuals can lead to increased frequency of social contact, lowered levels of social isolation or loneliness, and an increased number of positive relationships.” 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenge, and yet we have seen how communities can come together in innovative and supportive ways.

Each year, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity & Equity and Suicide Prevention Committee publishes web page of events which promotes the SPM events broadly across local providers, partners and community in San Mateo County. We will also be offering mini-grants for selected recipients.

  • Apply for Call for Events & Mini-Grant: If you would like your event listed on the web page AND to be considered for a mini-grant, please complete this application by Wednesday, August 26th.
  • Apply for Call for Events ONLY: If you would like your event listed on the web page ONLY (NO mini-grant), please email Zena Andreani (zena.andreani@star-vista.org) no later than Friday, August 28th.

SPM event details and updates will be posted at http://www.smchealth.org/SuicidePrevention.

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