The Union County Board of County Commissioners recognizes this September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by hosting a free webinar for all Union County Residents. The webinar, titled “Supporting Someone in Emotional Distress”will be presented by Caring Contact’s Crisis Line Director, Michelle Habayeb on September 13th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
“Recognizing the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing mental distress and knowing how to offer assistance can potentially make a significant difference in their life. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and increasing awareness about the connection between emotional distress and thoughts of suicide, we hope to provide support to those in need and guide them towards a path of recovery,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I encourage all residents to make the most of this valuable resource and participate in the upcoming webinar.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year. Undergoing one (or multiple) stressful conditions, such as a demanding job, challenging home life, or traumatic life event, have been linked to making some people more susceptible to this illness. This webinar will offer the education, awareness, and resources on how to support someone experiencing emotional distress.
This webinar is presented to you by the Union County Department of Human Services and in partnership with the organization, Caring Contact. Caring Contact (formerly Contact We Care) is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline that provides a safe space and empathetic ear to all callers.
The ZOOM link for this webinar can be accessed by registering online at www.ucnj.org/spmzoom
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need assistance, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7 at 988 via text or phone. This lifeline is answered by trained crisis counselors and is available in multiple languages.
For more information on all Union County Human Services programs and activities, please visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/