When it comes to 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and suicide prevention, community is a powerful and protective force. Individuals thrive when they’re accepted and embraced by family, friends, and peers. If you’re 2SLGBTQIA+ and having a tough time, there are always people you can talk to. Connect with @trevorproject or @translifeline, or find the 2SLGBTQIA+ community center nearest to you.
Events happening this week: 💜 9/19 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at Eedwood City Public Library 💜 9/23 – Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx at 650 Main St, Redwood City 💜9/26 – You Matter: Youth Suicide Prevention Day at allcove in San Mateo
Let’s continue talking about mental health, suicide prevention, and feelings of isolation. How can we best address loneliness? The approach may vary depending on age. Whether someone is a child, an older adult, or anywhere in between, there are always ways to foster hope and strengthen connections. Discover signs to watch for and effective strategies for every age group in our new resource, Love Over Loneliness for All Ages: https://takeaction4mh.com/toolkit-categories/suicideprevention/
Events happening this week: 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/17 at 10AM in Belmont | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors- Participants will learn what the risk factors are and the warning signs of suicide, how to utilize effective coping strategies, build resilience, and where local community resources are located.
People experiencing Substance Use Disorder may use tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or opioids to cope with significant physical or emotional distress. However, instead of alleviating pain, Substance Use Disorder can increase the risk of suicide.
Events happening this week: 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/17 at 10AM in Belmont | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors- Participants will learn what the risk factors are and the warning signs of suicide, how to utilize effective coping strategies, build resilience, and where local community resources are located.
Feelings of loneliness happen. Connecting with people is a basic human need—there’s no shame in wanting this. You can remedy loneliness, in yourself and in people you know.
Events happening this week: 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is “Change the Narrative”— because it’s time to talk more openly and honestly about suicide and suicide prevention. That can start with lighting a candle. Put it near your window at 8 PM tonight to visibly show your support for preventing suicide in our communities. It’s also a way to honor loved ones we have lost, and loved ones who have survived. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay Learn more at SMCSuicideprevention.com
Events happening this week: 💜 9/10 at 4PM in Belmont in San Mateo | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop – Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one. 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
This Suicide Prevention Week (9/8-9/14), we’re raising awareness about a subject that’s hard to talk about, but that we need to talk about. Love Over Loneliness is our theme. So many of us have experienced loneliness, because we’re missing a feeling of connection. We can foster a sense of belonging and grow meaningful relationships at any age. You can do this for yourself or for someone you know.
All week, we’ll be sharing new resources that can help. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for free 24/7 support. For more information on suicide prevention, go to https://smcsuicideprevention.com (link in bio)
Events happening this week: 💜 9/10 at 9AM in Redwood City | San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Proclamation – Show your support for Suicide Prevention Month at San Mateo County’s Board of Supervisors Meeting! 💜 9/10 at 4PM in Belmont in San Mateo | Communal Candle Decorating Workshop – Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one. 💜 9/13 at 5:30PM in San Mateo | Open Book, Open Hearts Workshop – This workshop will provide insight on the importance of self-care for mental health, an overview of warning signs for suicide prevention, and share community resources. 💜 9/14 at 12PM in Foster City | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis. 💜 9/15 at 1PM in San Carlos | One at a Time Workshop – The goal of the workshop is to educate about mental health and suicidality by shifting the focus to prevention strategies and outlining steps that can be taken prior to crisis.
It’s officially Suicide Prevention Month, and next week is Suicide Prevention Week! Let’s use this time to give people hope and the strategies we all need to prevent suicide. We want to help undo the stigma. Next week, we’ll be posting content and resources so you can know the signs and break the ice when you need to talk.
Also, check out San Mateo County’s free events throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month. They’re free and open to the public, a mix of virtual and in-person. We’d love to see you! Visit our website for more information: https://smcsuicideprevention.com
Upcoming event: 💜9/10: Communal Candle Decorating Workshop at Belmont Library
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LOSS OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the tragic passing of a community member in Menlo Park last week. We recognize that this event may have deeply impacted many individuals such as families, friends, and the community. Many emotions may be evoked – heartache, sadness, confusion, grief, anger, or despair. We encourage everyone take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health and the struggles that they may face. As the Suicide Prevention Committee for San Mateo County, we recognize and are committed to fostering an environment of compassion, understanding, and support for those in need.
If you, or someone you care about is experiencing mental health distress or crisis, please reach out to Crisis Hotline at (650) 579 – 0350 or dial 988.
Resources are available, you are not alone and there is help available.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Latest Updates
Discussed at the last SPC meeting, San Mateo County Suicide Prevention website is accessible to public: https://smcsuicideprevention.com/
Monthly Meetings
Upcoming Regular Meeting: Tuesday, 09/03/2024 from 2pm-3pm In-person Meeting, Group Photo (2:30pm) & Distribution of Outreach Materials
San Mateo County Health, Building E, 310 Harbor Blvd, Belmont, CA 94002
Join us as we decorate candles to show support for suicide prevention and to remember a lost loved one.
In addition, youth-centered local organizations will be tabling with information and giveaways. Snacks will be provided.
09/17/24– Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, 10am | Suicide Prevention Awareness for Seniors
Join us during National Suicide Prevention month as we provide seniors with essential information and resources, to address mental health challenges and reduce the risk of suicide. Through an informative presentation, and tabling by community partners, participants will learn what the risk factors are and the warning signs of suicide, how to utilize effective coping strategies, build resilience, and where local community resources are located.
NEWS
This section includes news that intersects with our local suicide prevention work:
This is a two-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout. The County offers a Mental Health version and a Suicide Prevention version.
This is an eight-hour skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance uses signs or crises. The County offers a youth and adult version of this workshop. For more information, contact: Sylvia Tang stang@smcgov.org
CALL TO ACTION!
We have the power to make a difference. By spreading awareness, providing support, and advocate for change, we can help people create a world where they feel seen, heard, and supported.
Here are ways you can help:
Actively participate in the next SPC meeting:
*IN-PERSON* Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024, 2pm-3:00pm (Group photo at 2:30PM)
Invite Someone New!
Ask new stakeholder, partner, agency, organization, community member to join the SPC mailing list.
Announcements?
Have an important commission meeting? Upcoming event you would like to highlight?
Send an email by the second Tuesday of each month for co-chairs review towalter.ng@star-vista.org
QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK?READY TO GET INVOLVED? CONTACT US!
Sylvia Tang, MPP (She/Her) Community Health Planner San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) stang@smcgov.org (650) 208 – 5799
In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity’s Chinese Health Initiative partnered with Belmont, Redwood Shore, San Carlos Chinese Community (BRSCC), and Star Vista’s Health Ambassador Youth Program to host the “What I Wish My Parents Knew” forum on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
The successful forum was led by San Mateo County youths Xin Xin Cai, Anthony Lee, and Anastasia Yang, with over 50 participants of parents, caregivers, and allies. As a way to ensure this forum was accessible to our communities, it was provided in English with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation.
Youth leaders addressed mental health questions using their lens of the Chinese-American culture and provided insightful advice to parents and mental health clinicians in the audience. They identified the top reasons for not wanting to share about their mental health were stigma and not wanting to worry their parents. One piece of advice offered to address this challenge was for parents and caregivers to talk to teens about their mental health in ways that support teens as independent individuals such as giving them time and space.
To learn more about the Chinese Health Initiative, visit SMCHealth.org/CHI and follow them on Facebook.
Have you heard of the Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training?
“Be Sensitive, Be Brave ” is a 2-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout the mental health or suicide prevention trainings.. This workshop teaches community members to identify warning signs and and to connect individuals to help.
We are partnering with the San Mateo County Libraries to offer free trainings throughout this month. Visit SMCHealth.org/BSBB-Schedule to find out when is the next one!
Events happening this week:
💜 Sun, 9/10 – Compassion & Honesty: Working With Depressed/Suicidal Older Adults While Managing Your Own Feelings – Virtual
💜 Mon, 9/11 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in Woodside
💜 Tues, 9/12 – Walk of Hope Recovery Breakfast at County Center, Redwood City
💜 Wed, 9/13 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in East Palo Alto
💜 Fri, 9/15 – Let’s Share Hope Together: Screening “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” at San Mateo Main Library, San Mateo
Attend events, get involved and find support at SMCHealth.org/SPM.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines: Call 650-579-0350 or 988 Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988 Visit SanMateoCrisis.org
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