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<p>We often hear a myth that talking about suicide will lead to or encourage suicide in someone who is struggling with unsafe thoughts, however, this could not be further from the truth. As a community, we should not be afraid to speak up and ask if someone is feeling suicidal, and to help connect that individual with needed help. We hope that the below tips will serve as a guide to help you add more tools to your safety planning toolbox.</p>

<p><strong>If someone is thinking about suicide,&nbsp;here are some action steps to take to encourage safety (adapted from the Suicide Prevention Center of New York State):</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Ask the person to make a promise to you or themselves not to do anything right now. Remind them that suicidal thoughts come and go and ask them to contract for safety in the short-term.</li>
<li>Avoid alcohol and drugs, as substances can cause individuals to feel even more emotionally dysregulated.</li>
<li>Make the home environment safe by removing anything that could be used to harm self.</li>
<li>Stay hopeful and be encouraging; people do get through this!</li>
<li>If someone has disclosed unsafe thoughts to you, thank the person for reaching out and trusting you to help. It takes strength and self-awareness to admit to having unsafe thoughts and feeling vulnerable.</li>
<li>Help the individual contact their primary or mental health care provider to make an appointment for as soon as possible.</li>
<li>Remind the person of emergency services provider contacts, including the option to visit the local psychiatric emergency department if needed.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Emergency Supports &amp; Resources:</strong></p>

<p>A mental health emergency is a situation where there is imminent risk of danger to self or others. If you or someone else is experiencing an emergency, please immediately contact one of the resources below.</p>

<ul>
<li>On-campus &ndash; MCC Public Safety (292-2911)</li>
<li>Off-campus &ndash; 911</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Lifeline (585) 275-5151 (available 24 hours a day)</li>
<li>Mobile Crisis (585) 529-3721</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Dial 211 for resources in Monroe, Cayuga, Livingston, and Ontario County</li>
<li>Hospital emergency department</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" target="_blank">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>&nbsp;1-800-273-TALK, (Veterans Press 1)&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/" target="_blank">Text 741741</a>&nbsp;- Crisis Text line offering 24/7 support.</li>
<li>Please refer to <a href="https://www.monroecounty.gov/health_providers/search/times">Monroe County website</a> for additional mental health and substance use resource information.</li>
</ul>

<p>MCC Counseling Center staff will be conducting counseling appointments throughout the month of September and beyond. Our goal is to provide solution focused, brief intervention in support of positive coping and problem solving during what may be a difficult and uncertain time as students return and re-acclimate to campus. Whether students are new to the office or they have worked with us in the past, we encourage them to reach out if they are in need of additional support.</p>

<p><strong>How to Refer to the MCC Counseling Center:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>The Center hours of business are Monday through Friday from 8:45am-4:45pm</li>
<li>Currently enrolled students may email <a href="mailto:counselingservices@monroecc.edu">counselingservices@monroecc.edu</a> to request to schedule an appointment to talk with a mental health counselor</li>
</ul>

<p>We wish you all the best as you kick off this new semester with your fellow students and/or colleagues!</p>

<p>Warmly,</p>

<p>MCC Counseling Center &amp; Disability Services Team</p>

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MCC Daily Tribune

National Suicide Prevention Day: Highlighting Resources & Safety Tips

Friday, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention day for 2021, and we would like to take this opportunity to highlight some important safety tips and resources.

We often hear a myth that talking about suicide will lead to or encourage suicide in someone who is struggling with unsafe thoughts, however, this could not be further from the truth. As a community, we should not be afraid to speak up and ask if someone is feeling suicidal, and to help connect that individual with needed help. We hope that the below tips will serve as a guide to help you add more tools to your safety planning toolbox.

If someone is thinking about suicide, here are some action steps to take to encourage safety (adapted from the Suicide Prevention Center of New York State):

  • Ask the person to make a promise to you or themselves not to do anything right now. Remind them that suicidal thoughts come and go and ask them to contract for safety in the short-term.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs, as substances can cause individuals to feel even more emotionally dysregulated.
  • Make the home environment safe by removing anything that could be used to harm self.
  • Stay hopeful and be encouraging; people do get through this!
  • If someone has disclosed unsafe thoughts to you, thank the person for reaching out and trusting you to help. It takes strength and self-awareness to admit to having unsafe thoughts and feeling vulnerable.
  • Help the individual contact their primary or mental health care provider to make an appointment for as soon as possible.
  • Remind the person of emergency services provider contacts, including the option to visit the local psychiatric emergency department if needed.

Emergency Supports & Resources:

A mental health emergency is a situation where there is imminent risk of danger to self or others. If you or someone else is experiencing an emergency, please immediately contact one of the resources below.

  • On-campus – MCC Public Safety (292-2911)
  • Off-campus – 911
  • Lifeline (585) 275-5151 (available 24 hours a day)
  • Mobile Crisis (585) 529-3721
  • Dial 211 for resources in Monroe, Cayuga, Livingston, and Ontario County
  • Hospital emergency department

MCC Counseling Center staff will be conducting counseling appointments throughout the month of September and beyond. Our goal is to provide solution focused, brief intervention in support of positive coping and problem solving during what may be a difficult and uncertain time as students return and re-acclimate to campus. Whether students are new to the office or they have worked with us in the past, we encourage them to reach out if they are in need of additional support.

How to Refer to the MCC Counseling Center:

  • The Center hours of business are Monday through Friday from 8:45am-4:45pm
  • Currently enrolled students may email counselingservices@monroecc.edu to request to schedule an appointment to talk with a mental health counselor

We wish you all the best as you kick off this new semester with your fellow students and/or colleagues!

Warmly,

MCC Counseling Center & Disability Services Team

Morgan Kennell
Counseling Center & Disability Services
09/10/2021