Mental Health & Suicide:

A Community Conversation

In this program we learned:

  • What Al shared about 988:
    • Anyone can call – concerned loved ones, someone in crisis, someone who just needs someone to talk to
    • they are not going to send the police or lock you up – it’s about creating a safe space to talk, get support, get safe; you can text, chat, or call
    • To learn more, or to chat online visit the official 988 website: 988lifeline.org
  • Knowing what the signs of suicide risk are. We discussed this together, and were also provided wallet cards courtesy of NAMI, NH.
    • View a printable informational sheet on Suicide Warning Signs via TheConnectProgram.org
    • Learn more about the various resources and support groups available through NAMI NH
  • Knowing how to talk to people we are concerned about
    • Creating space for an open conversation, without judgment, advice-giving, or telling the other what to do. Often, a calm, compassionate listening ear is all that’s needed to de-escalate a crisis situation.
    • asking them directly
      • have you thought about suicide?
      • do you have a plan?
      • do you have the means to act on this plan?
      • what keeps you going?
      • who are your supports?
      • what do you need?
  • We discussed that the perception of being a burden and social disconnect/isolation put people at risk. How we can help is by fostering connection and purpose.
  • Not talking about suicide is the problem! It’s uncomfortable but it is essential to save lives. When we don’t talk about mental health and suicide, we contribute to the stigma around these issues, and the isolation and shame of those at risk.

**This program was not intended to be a support group or provide clinical services.**

Resources :

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call / text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org

NH Rapid Response Access Point – Call / Text 1-833-710-6477 or visit nh988.com

Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741741 or visit the National site for NAMI

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) – Call 1-866-488-7386 / text 678678 or visit TheTrevorProject.org

The Connect Program –Information & Resource Line 1-800-242-6264 or visit  TheConnectProgram.org 

Always call 911 in case of an emergency

Community Conversation Hosts :

Al Carbonneau has worked for Headrest for over 20yrs now. He has managed Headrest’s Crisis Call Center since 2020. Al is on the NH Suicide Prevention Council and the Survivor of Suicide Loss subcommittee. Al also facilitates a Survivor of Suicide Loss support group at Headrest.

Laurie Veillette, Psy.D. is a clinical health psychologist and team lead for the Mental Health team.

Shelby Wood
Manager of Volunteer Participation
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776 (cell)
603-795-0603 (CCL office and help line)