In the wake of recent suicides in the Clinton community, the town is spreading the message about available mental health resources and encouraging people to reach out if they or someone they know is struggling.

Following the tragic recent deaths of members of the community who died by suicide, Clinton Town Manager Michelle Benivegna and Human Services Director Kathy Grega posted a message on the town website on Aug. 20 expressing their condolences and letting people know help is available should anyone need it.

“It is with a heavy heart that we address the recent and troubling increase in suicides within our community. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those who have experienced such profound loss. During this difficult time, we ask that everyone respects the privacy of the families affected as they navigate their grief,” the post said in part.

The post also outlined several different avenues people experiencing a mental health crisis can use for help.

Resources

The Clinton Human Services Department offers counseling and support services for individuals and families and can be reached at 860-669-7347 or clintonhumanservices.org. The department also has a schedule of various local support groups that meet regularly, which may be helpful for some.

Several state and national resources are also available in addition to local options.

The Connecticut mobile crisis intervention service can be reached at 1-800-HOPE-135, and crisis intervention services can be reached at 211.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 for 24/7 confidential support. For veterans support, dial 988 (press 1)

The crisis text line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 for immediate help.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), offering free, confidential support.

“Mental health is a critical issue that affects many, and it is important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not something to be ashamed of. We want to emphasize that mental health awareness needs to be at the forefront of our conversations. Everyone deserves support and understanding, and there are resources available to assist those in need,” the post on the website stated.

Suicide in Clinton

Sadly, suicide has become a longstanding issue in Clinton. According to a UConn study published in 2017 that studied the time period of 2010-’14, Clinton was the leading municipality in suicides and suicide attempts that resulted in hospitalization per capita. The study indicated that Clinton had a rate four times above what was expected for a town of its size. In the years since the study came out, Clinton has continued to lose people to suicide.

The issue is one the town and social services department has taken steps to combat by holding regular QPR training sessions. QPR is an initiative that teaches people how to question, persuade, and refer someone who may be suicidal, as well as how to recognize the signs of someone who may be considering suicide. The department has also started a Community Conversations group that helps parents and youth discuss mental health issues in the community.

Still, the town is seeking to spread the message that help is available and nobody is alone.

“We urge anyone who is struggling or knows someone who is to reach out for help. You are not alone, and there are people who care and want to assist. Let us come together as a community to support one another and to foster an environment where mental health can be openly discussed and addressed,” the statement from Benivegna and Grega reads in closing.