Umatter: Creating Broad-Based Support for Youth Suicide Prevention in Vermont

You matter.

You matter because you can help.

Anyone can experience mental health problems.  One in 5 people worldwide experience a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives (Source: NAMI). Oftentimes the stigma associated with the illness can be just as challenging as the illness itself.

We want youth to know that feeling depressed is a common experience and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but an act of courage.  We want young people to feel confident that they can go to any trusted adult for help and that these adults will be able to connect them to mental health professionals.

The purpose of this web site is to increase your awareness and understanding of suicidal behavior in youth and enhance your ability to respond.  Consider it a resource for helping you to identify and assist a person in trouble and learning what you can do to reduce the risk of suicide in your youth community.

If you are currently in contact with a child or youth in a mental health crisis:

  • In Vermont, call 2-1-1.
  • You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255.  (For TTY, call 1.800.799.4889.)
  • If the person is a US military veteran, call 1.800.273.8255 and press 1.
  • If you feel the danger is imminent, call 9-1-1 or get the person in crisis to the nearest emergency room.
  • Call the Mental Health Service nearest you.

Never leave a suicidal person alone.

This site includes warning signs and risk factors and suggests other actions you can take if you find yourself in a crisis situation.  It is not, however, meant to be a comprehensive guide.  Suicide prevention training is available for individuals who come into frequent, direct contact with youth.  For training opportunities in Vermont, link here.

Umatter is brought to you by the Vermont Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition, Center for Health & Learning and the Vermont Department of Mental Health.

Funding for the Vermont Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition and the UMatter Youth Suicide Prevention Program is administered through the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as part of the Garret Lee Smith Memorial Act grant.