Self-Care Resources & Community Updates

suicide
September 10, 2020
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day to hold all those impacted by suicide in our hearts. I am particularly thinking of the survivors of suicide here in our own community. As we work to raise awareness and assure treatment for all those in need, it helps to learn more about the risk factors for suicide and how each one of us can help #BeThe1To Ask, Be There, Keep People Safe, Help People Stay Connected, Follow Up and Learn More.
According to an October 2019 CT Post article, Connecticut has seen a steady rise in the number of suicides among 50-59 year-old men. Johnathan Singer, American Association of Suicidology president noted:

"'Economic hardship is correlated with adult suicide risk.' He said suicide rates among older men began to go up around 2008, during the last economic recession. But Singer said there is also an often overlooked emotional component, 'There is an experience of loneliness.'"

Belonging, connection and hope are important for all of us and especially important for those considering suicide. You can learn more about how you can work to prevent suicide here.

If you or someone you love face an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis, you can call 211, use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK or text CT to 741741.
Self-Care is so important during these stressful times. Walks in nature, meditation and even simple breathing exercises can help. Appreciating art is another way to care for ourselves and connect with one another. This week, you can enjoy the spectacular work of local photographers on display at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

If you missed the live preview party displaying all the lovely works of art from our community, you can view them on a

 video posted by the museum.

Finally, A big congratulations to the Grand Prize winners of the Fairfield Museum's IMAGES 2020 Juried Photography Show:

Professional / Serious Amateur Winner (see below)
  • Float, Kerry Long (Portrait) 

Student Winner (see below)

  • Sadness, Ella Melko (Portrait)
Yesterday we shared information about the Lost Wages Assistance supplemental unemployment benefits. Just after that we received some updated information from the Department of Labor, which you can read about here.
According to the release:

“A total of five weeks of Lost Wages Assistance will be paid in addition to regular unemployment weekly benefits and will be retroactive to the claim week beginning July 26, 2020. It will also be available for claim weeks beginning August 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2020. Claimants will receive the supplemental benefit in several payments; the first payment of $300 is issued mid-September with the remainder of retroactive payments following in two or three separate payments. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will terminate the program once available federal funding is exhausted or if the federal government passes legislation that replaces the program. The program is expected to provide $375M additional unemployment benefits to Connecticut claimants.”