HELP

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and I wanted to take a few moments to alert to a very serious and growing problem in our communities.

This week, NBC featured a blog post quoting our chief medical examiner’s office saying the state’s suicide rate has climbed to a 20-year high.  While Connecticut’s suicide rate is still low compared to most other states, we now cope with more than one person committing suicide every day.

Officials say the suicide rate has been rising the past five years, and although it is not clear why, officials believe the economic downturn probably has been a factor.     

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says that 9 of every 10 suicides could have been prevented by proper treatment of the mental disorder.

If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress please connect to any of these organizations.  They are available around the clock with hotline support and advice on how to assist your friend or family member.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.afsp.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

There is also a new outlet for people who would prefer to communicate via typed words
www.CrisisChat.org

I have spent my first term in office working hard to make sure that our students have a safe and comfortable environment to learn in and I have been working with other legislators and families of suicide victims to pursue stronger youth suicide prevention legislation this fall.

I promise I will do everything in my power to get this issue highlighted next session if I’m re-elected.

Spreading suicide prevention awareness could be the difference between life and death.

My heart goes out to all of the families who have had to face this tragedy, and I hope that you pass this on.  You never know who may need help.

Sincerely,

Representative Brenda L. Kupchick serving Fairfield & Southport

RepKupchick.com