safeTALK Program
Feb 1st, 2010 by Scot Graden
Dear Community Members,
Saline Area Schools is committed to maintaining a healthy community, both physically and mentally.
I want to make you aware of a program offered through community education that could help you make a difference in a person’s life. The program is called safeTALK.
Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses in the USA, and one of the most treatable. An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from depression at any particular time, with as much as 20-25% of the population suffering a depressive episode by late adolescence.
Untreated, depressive episodes become worse, more recurrent, with less triggers. Untreated depression can lead to school/work failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide. It is estimated that 2/3 of people who complete suicide are depressed at the time.
safeTALK will teach you how to become depression aware and suicide alert by introducing the signs of depression and suicide as well as teaching you how to get help for those in need.
Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help, but all too often these invitations are missed, leaving them more alone and at greater risk. This program will allow you to become more aware of warning signs expressed by people with thoughts of suicide and how to connect them to help and care. Suicide is preventable, and you can help us become a suicide-safer community.
Registration deadline: February 16, 2010
Class: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: Liberty Media Center
Enroll online at www.salineonline.org by February 16, 2010
Sincerely,
Scot Graden