To The Editor:

Suicide Prevention Month may take place in September but it is a year round issue. We have many resources such as Suicide Prevention and the Crisis hotline 988, preventsuicidect.org, AFSP.org (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention).

Having worked in the school system for a number of years and now being involved in the Senior Community, I see far too many obituaries related to suicide. We need to be better as a society in realizing that this is not something someone chooses or something someone should be ashamed of or scared to admit they need help. People should view mental health issues the same as any other medical issue.

During COVID I took a couple of online classes regarding social isolation. It affects everyone — age doesn’t matter. There is nothing worse than feeling alone or being scared to admit you are having these feelings. We have information in schools, the library, Edmond Town Hall, the Municipal Center, the Community Center and the Senior Center. We have offered training on QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer — three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide).

Endfamilyfire.org is another resource that talks about firearm suicide. We recently hosted (thank you to Maureen Crick-Owen and Natalie Griffin, Director of the Newtown Senior Center) a program called Par-Tea. Deb Bibbins presented a very informative program about the different types of tea and the benefits associated with them.

Then she discussed a wonderful program called “For All Ages” that connects Seniors with college aged people who commit to a six week program designed to “connect” with one another, via phone calls, in person, etc. We recently set up a table at the Municipal Center near the Health Department for Suicide Prevention. There is a poster designed to promote ideas for Commitment in staying connected to people, family, friends, even strangers. I left pens and post it’s for the community to add their ideas and suggestions. We left information regarding Suicide Prevention on that table as well.

Veterans are another population that are very vulnerable to suicide. Sadly, Veterans comprise nearly a quarter of suicide deaths in the US. The risk for suicide among Veterans is 1.5 times higher than the general population. The VA Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.

Please join us at Newtown’s 29th annual Health Fair which takes place on October 18 from 9 am to noon at the Newtown Community Center. Look for us at the tables with the Veteran’s, Newtown Senior Center and Suicide Prevention!

Anna Wiedemann

Southbury