Resources for Addressing Teen Suicide - Prevention, Intervention, Postvention

• COMMUNICATION SAVES LIVES – Preventing teen suicide
• LIGHTS IN THE DARK – Strategies for suicide intervention
• AFTER THE STORM – Community response to youth suicide

During the past twenty-three years, our program staff members have been directly involved with three types of activities that address the complex issue of youth suicide. Assisting schools and communities across the Northeast, we have been involved in prevention education, crisis intervention, and critical incident response. Our programs reflect the practical experience of “being there” and our materials have become a widely used resource.

COMMUNICATION SAVES LIVES – Preventing teen suicide
The incidence of youth suicide is alarmingly high. When a young person first begins feeling depressed, some simple steps can be taken to help that person to help him/herself. This workshop presents practical ideas and useful information for recognizing risks, responding appropriately, and accessing community resources. While addressing difficult questions in a relaxed manner, this program gets everyone involved and hopeful about reaching out with help before it is too late.

LIGHTS IN THE DARK – Strategies for suicide intervention
Suicide intervention is one of the most challenging of all crisis responses. This intensive workshop is only for emergency medical personnel, mental health crisis team members, hotline workers, and other professionals with prior training in crisis response. We will explore the nature of suicidal ideation, and focus on the specifics of what to look for, what to say, and what to do to create safety in the moments of greatest danger. Tools and techniques will be demonstrated for engaging clients in the delicate task of finding hope in the hardest of times.

AFTER THE STORM – Community response to youth suicide
In the aftermath of the tragedy of a young life ended by suicide, the entire community struggles with the trauma of sudden loss. Bringing neighbors out of the silence to join together and make a difference for the ones left behind, this program will lead the community through the essential task of rebuilding a safety net of support in the shadow of darkness. Despite the desire of some to explore the details of what may have gone wrong in an attempt to understand the events of the past, respect for all will direct the questions and discussion to what individuals can do to help each other through the grieving process and make a positive contribution for the present and future.