UMaine Machias recognizing National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month with various events

UMaine Machias recognizing National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month with various events

MACHIAS, Maine - In recognition of National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, the University of Maine at Machias will host multiple events to increase awareness and support for individuals and families affected by suicide and suicidal ideation.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to a suicide prevention and awareness presentation and discussion led by Stacey Cherry, a licensed therapist at UMaine Machias, on Sept. 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Torrey Hall, room 232. The event will focus on basic attitudes and beliefs surrounding suicide, risk factors, warning signs and simple interventions and approaches to intervene with someone who may be contemplating suicide.

During World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, individuals are encouraged to light candles in their windows at 8 p.m. and change their social media profile pictures to lit candles as a show of awareness and support. Similarly, campus residents can place an item that safely admits a flameless glow in their windows.

The annual Out of the Darkness Walk will take place Sept. 24. This is a nationwide walk and is designed to help give people the courage to open up about their own struggles or losses, as well as a platform to change our culture's approach to mental health. In Machias, the walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Performing Arts Center and end at the foot of College Hill at the Suicide Memorial/Support Tree, where there will be a candlelight vigil. Participants can also opt to share their thoughts and reflect on their direct or indirect experiences with suicide. Participants are encouraged to wear T-shirts and/or make signs in support of suicide prevention and awareness.

For more information about these events or to request reasonable accommodation, call 207.255.1343.

Over 49,000 people died by suicide and 12.8 million seriously thought about suicide in 2023, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States. In Maine, an average of 266 Maine citizens die by suicide each year.

"These statistics are staggering and lives lost by suicide are continuing to increase!" Cherry said. "We can all help save a life by listening and developing a connection with someone who is contemplating suicide. Just by saying 'I'm here for you and I care' can start the conversation to ask the question 'Are you having thoughts of suicide?' and get them help immediately. These are the steps to save a life."

In addition to hosting events, UMaine Machias is also recognizing National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month with multiple memorials on campus A display featuring pinwheels representing each Maine life lost to suicide will be on the lawn bordering College Hill.

The Suicide Memorial/Support Tree will be wrapped with colored lights - purple for those lost by suicide, blue for those who support suicide awareness/prevention and green for those presently struggling with suicidal thoughts. Students, faculty, staff and community members may use the provided materials at the tree to write supportive messages or to remember a loved one who died by their own hand.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call Maine Crisis Services, 1.888.568.1112 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988 (call or text) or Chat at 988lifeline.org.