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The Complexities of Suicide and the Importance of Connection and Belonging by Karen Carreira, LMHC, held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 9am-12pm ET via Zoom and In-Person
Course Description:
Close to 50,000 people died by suicide in 2023 moving the U. S. Surgeon General to declare mental health as the “defining health crisis of our lifetime”. And today we know managing our current political, environmental, and social climate continues to challenge the mental health of individuals from young to old. We all can play a role in supporting mental health and suicide prevention across the spectrum of engagement from community members to mental health professionals.
This workshop will build from the framework of the mental health continuum, review current mental health and suicide data, and discuss the complexities involved when thoughts turn to suicide. Participants will learn evidenced based and informed awareness building tools, discuss the role of connection and belonging as core protective factors and explore ways to create/welcome connection and belonging in the journey to wellness.
The course objectives are:
1. Identify the mental health continuum from wellbeing to crisis.
2. Identify risk factors and warning signs of suicide.
3. Learn how to ask about suicide and resources available.
4. Identify protective factors as tools for balancing mental health and building resilience.
5. Gain understanding of the power of connectedness and belonging in creating upstream approaches to prevention.
Biography:
Karen’s career is steeped in human service and program development. It is highlighted by work as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Board Certified Music Therapist, program director, and most recently as an advocate, public speaker, and mental health training facilitator.
Her passion for change making and building mental health awareness has been lifelong and significantly influenced by the suicide death of her teenage son, Nathan, in 2018.
Karen serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and co-chairs their Advocacy and Public Policy Committee. She is co-chair of the Pioneer Valley Coalition for Suicide Prevention and serves on the Massachusetts Coalition Executive Committee.
Karen is a certified trainer in Adult, Youth, Teen and community Mental Health First Aid, QPR and AFSP programs, and works to build prevention prepared communities through leadership and advisory roles in local coalitions. She champions the Vermont Stratton Community Foundation mental health initiatives through #Shred4Nate and her son’s endowment fund.
In addition, Karen is the founder and training/education facilitator of her newly incorporated Mental Health Training Connection, LLC. And of special note, was recognized as a recipient of the 2024 Massachusetts Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award and honerable mention for the 2024 Youth Mental Health Impact Award from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
CEUs: Pending Approval for 3.0 CEU’s from NASW-NH in “Suicide Prevention”
ATTENTION MAPS AFFILIATED: Select “Pay Now” even if balance is $0.00 as this will submit your registration information.
Cancelation Policy: Refunds can be made up to 1-week prior to workshop. Refund will be minus the PayPal fee for those using that Payment Method. Extenuating circumstances outside of this refund timeframe will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please request refunds in writing by emailing Tina Borsa at tborsa@mapsnh.org.
