Two years after Bridgeport High School started Life League Suicide Prevention Program, the group has expanded significantly and formed a partnership with United Summit Center that offers free, confidential emotions support to teens after school. In September, they sponsored a state-wide mental health fair at Meadowbrook Mall that brought their message to hundreds and created a network of mental health resources available to the public.

 

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens. The startling statistic was the impetuous for starting Life League, but as the group met, it became clear that many teens also wanted to focus on mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Self-care lessons and discussions about how to cope with daily stressors became the focus of the group, which meets weekly at Bridgeport High School.

 

The students involved choose the topics of discussion, which have included navigating relationships, dealing with grief, understanding depression, overcoming social anxiety, implementing kindness projects, and discovering resources that are available.  Many were trained in suicide prevention two years ago, but the group decided it was time for a refresher course and wanted to include parents and community members in the training.

 

Suicide Prevention West Virginia’s Shannon Jones will be offering a free suicide prevention training at the Bridgeport location of Fairmont State College in Charles Pointe. The training is open to anyone from middle school through adult and will take place on the second floor of the building that houses the Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau, across from Buffalo Wild Wings.

 

The training will take place from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. on November 7 and will focus recognizing signs of mental health distress, correct ways to respond and how to react in a crisis. While people often have good intentions during a mental health crisis, sometimes the advice and help they offer can be detrimental.  This session will review the proper ways to respond to ensure appropriate steps are taken for the person in distress.  

 

Training students, parents and community members will help create a network of support for those who struggle and will increase empathy and action for those in need.  Resource tables will be onsite during the event in order to offer additional support and space and time will be provided for further discussions after the training.

 

The event is free and open to anyone, but registration is encouraged at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bhs-life-league-suicide-prevention-training-tickets-78177066711  

 

Additional questions should be directed to trinarunner@gmail.com