Suicide Prevention 101 – “How to Help a Friend” A workshop presented by Samaritans
Why does someone take their own life? Can it be prevented?
The NAMI Chapter of Berkshire County announces a special program about the Risk Factors and Warning Signs that are typical of a person who may be feeling suicidal. It’s an opportunity to discuss the fears we all have when someone who is mentally ill expresses, or doesn't know how to express the pain they are feeling.
This workshop will be conducted by Kelley Cunningham who is the Manager for Community Education and Outreach for Samaritans. She has a BS in Psychology and a MS in Training and Development. Over the past year, Kelley has completed this workshop for several NAMI affiliates across the state to rave reviews. On a personal note, Kelley is a “suicide survivor” having lost her mother-in-law more than seven years ago to suicide. She brings a personal aspect to suicide and mental illness.
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
Understand that mental health disorders are the leading circumstance to more than 90% of all suicides.
Identify some of the risk factors and warning signs that are typical of a person who is feeling suicidal.
List at least three steps we can all take to help an individual who is suicidal.
Identify some specific listening techniques which are invaluable when dealing with a person thinking or talking about suicide.
Open to members and the general public, this event will be held on Wednesday, April 1, promptly at 6:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Brien Center, 333 East St., Pittsfield.
