Although it's a topic that many are uncomfortable discussing, suicide has been in the news a lot lately. We at MHL want everyone to know that they are not alone and that there are resources available to people in distress.
MHL librarians actively collect information about a variety of health issues in hopes of connecting our patrons to valid and reliable ideas and resources for promoting health and reducing isolation. We invite you to share your ideas for making Memorial Hall Library a safe and empathic space for connected learning about health, leisure and community. You can suggest books, resources or programs anytime by contacting the Reference Desk.
Here are some organizations to reach out to for assistance if you have concerns about your own mental health or the mental health of a loved one:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention
www.masspreventssuicide.org
An alliance of suicide prevention advocates
Massachusetts Emergency Psychiatric Services:
877-382-1609
Massachusetts Substance Use Hotline:
1-800-327-5050
helplinema.org
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
24/7 text messages
Samaritans Helpline:
Call or text (877) 870-HOPE (4673)
samaritanshope.org
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386
Or text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200
thetrevorproject.org
24/7 support for LBGTQ people in crisis
Trans Lifeline
(877) 565-8860
translifeline.org
Support for transgender people in crisis
Riverside Trauma Center of Needham, Massachusetts
(888) 851 2451
http://riversidetraumacenter.org/
Offers services and referrals after traumatic events. The center’s Crisis Response Line is answered 24 hours.
Text 741741 to talk with a real-life human trained to bring texters from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening and collaborative problem solving.
Additionally, here are some books MHL has available on the subject.
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Bullied
DVD 114 minutes Over two million children are bullied every year, and 4,400 high school students commit suicide. Victims often do not know where to turn. This film is their chance to be heard.notation |
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Project Semicolon : your story isn't over
by Amy Bleuel A first book by the founder of the Project Semicolon suicide-awareness and storytelling organization collects nonfiction essays about the experiences of survivors of mental illness augmented by personal photos of the tattoos that symbolize their commitment to staying alive. |
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What made Maddy run : the secret struggles and tragic death of an all-American teen
by Kate Fagan A sports journalist tells the heartbreaking story of an Ivy League freshman and track star who seemingly had it all, and succeeded at everything she tried, but who secretly grappled with mental illness before taking her own life spring semester. 40,000 first printing. |
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Scared selfless : my journey from abuse and madness to surviving and thriving
by Michelle Stevens A psychologist and founder of the Post-Traumatic Success nonprofit describes the brutal experiences with a pedophile that led to her multiple personality disorder and her long journey to recovery, sharing her work to raise awareness about sexual abuse, its effects on victims and effective methods for healing. |
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Emotional first aid : practical strategies for treating failure, rejection, guilt, and other everyday psychological injuries
by Guy Winch The New York clinical psychologist and author of The Squeaky Wheel outlines practical steps for addressing daily emotional injuries that can adversely affect life, sharing illustrative anecdotes while offering easy-to-use, scientifically based exercises for managing painful feelings. |
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Out came the sun : overcoming the legacy of mental illness, addiction, and suicide in my family
by Mariel Hemingway The movie and television actress whose life story was the subject of Oprah's Emmy-nominated documentary, Running from Crazy, describes the impact of alcoholism, depression, suicide and schizophrenia on her family life. |
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In her wake : a child psychiatrist explores the mystery of her mother's suicide
by Nancy Rappaport Follows the author's attemps to understand her mother's life and suicide by piecing together information from court depositions, interviews, media coverage, and an unpublished novel |