Connecting the Dots: Conversations about Loneliness, Community, Isolation, and Suicide Prevention

Join us for an all-day event aimed at shedding light on the underlying causes of suicide in marginalized communities, with a specific focus on the profound impact of loneliness within three groups. The event is designed to educate and create awareness about the link between loneliness and suicidality, and to provide practical strategies for prevention.

The event comprises four informative sessions, covering various marginalized groups, including the trans community, the Black community, and college-age/young adults. Each session will:

• Delve into the unique challenges faced by these communities
• Explore the prevalence and impact of loneliness
• Share personal stories and experiences, and
• Offer community-based solutions and resources

Throughout the event, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between loneliness and suicidal ideation and will have the opportunity to engage in open discussions and Q&A sessions with knowledgeable speakers and panelists. Participants will leave with increased awareness, practical tools for prevention, and a renewed commitment to actively address loneliness and its consequences in their own lives and communities.

Presentation Lineup

Connecting the Dots: Conversations about Loneliness, Community, Isolation, and Suicide Prevention presented by Dr. Al Tsai, MD and Nancy Eigel-Miller

8:45-10:15AM PST | 9:45-11:15AM MST | 10:45-12:15PM CST | 11:45-1:15PM EST

Connecting the Dots: Conversations about Loneliness, Community, Isolation, and Suicide Prevention with Dr. Al Tsai, MD, focuses on addressing the complex issue of suicide by exploring the role of loneliness and isolation. The event aims to raise awareness about the connection between loneliness and suicide while providing practical strategies for prevention.

Educational Objectives:

Following this presentation, participants will be able to…

• Explain the intricate relationship between loneliness, isolation, and suicide.
• Discuss the data surrounding loneliness, its effects on mental health, and how it can exacerbate the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Identify practical strategies and tools to address loneliness and prevent suicide in their communities by creating a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being and connectedness.

Suicide in the Black Community: A State of Emergency presented by Dana Cunningham, PhD, Tony Wilson, Kevin Berthia, Ashton Grooms

10:30-12:00PM PST | 11:30-1:00PM MST | 12:30-2:00PM CST | 1:30-3:00PM EST

Suicide is on the rise in Black adults and is the second leading cause of death among Black youth and it is critical to raise awareness about this important issue. This presentation will explore various stressors that have been associated with increased suicide risk such as mental health stigma, social media, bullying, and racial stress and trauma. We will also explore some of the systemic barriers that impede access to high quality mental health care and increase suicide risk. Lastly, protective factors that foster strength, resilience, and radical healing in the Black community will be highlighted.

Educational Objectives:

Following this presentation, participants will be able to…

• Describe suicide trends in the Black community.
• Discuss factors that contribute to increased suicide risk in the Black community.
• Identify at least three protective factors that can mitigate suicide risk.

Building Resiliency with the Trans Community Against the Current Climate  presented by Devon Stephenson, MSW, LSW and Ashton Grooms

2:15-3:45PM PST | 3:15-4:45PM MST | 4:15-5:45PM CST | 5:15-6:45PM EST

In today's rapidly changing political and social landscape, mental health professionals play a critical role in providing essential support to transgender individuals and their loved ones. The continuing education course aims to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively address the unique challenges faced by trans people in today's current climate. This course will be an integral part of a larger observance of suicide prevention, emphasizing the vital role mental health professionals play in fostering resilience, community, and understanding.

Join us for a comprehensive training opportunity that empowers mental health professionals to navigate the complex mental health landscape for transgender individuals in the United States. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of trans individuals, their loved ones, and the broader community, as we contribute to suicide prevention efforts and foster a more inclusive and resilient mental health practice.

Educational Objectives:

Following this presentation, participants will be able to…

• Discuss how today’s social climate impacts trans individuals and how it can contribute to loneliness and suicidality.
• Describe how to cultivate Effective Support for Trans Clients and Their Loved Ones.
• Identify how to facilitate connection and build community with trans individuals.

Alone in a Crowd: Exploring Loneliness and Its Impact on Student Wellbeing presented by Landry Weatherston-Yarborough, LPC, CEDS-S, NCC, Amari Thomas, Julisa Minaya, Mario Gonzalez

4:00-5:00PM PST | 5:00-6:00PM MST | 6:00-7:00PM CST | 7:00-8:00PM EST

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: a time to join together and raise important awareness on a topic that is far too often considered taboo and stigmatized.  we hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable event with students from Only7Seconds, Black Mental Wellness, Morgan's Message and Robbie's Hope, as the official launch of Say It Brave on Campus. This unique event will feature a student panel discussion moderated by ERC Pathlight Clinical Director Landry Yarborough, LPC, CEDS, NCC. The presentation will explore:

• The differences between loneliness and being alone
• The impact of loneliness and isolation on student mental health
• The critical importance of connection for depression and anxiety
• The ways in which connection-related interventions can help self-compassion

Educational Objectives:

Following this presentation, participants will be able to…

• describe the impact of connection on depression and anxiety symptoms.
• identify patients at risk who could benefit from connection-related interventions.
• List and discuss the differences between loneliness and being alone.

If you have questions about this event, or need more information, please reach out to Katie Bendel at Katie.Bendel@ERCPathlight.com

Interested in suicide prevention in high school and collegiate communities? Don’t miss our first 23’ – 24’ Say It Brave on Campus event: Alone in a Crowd: Exploring Loneliness and Its Impact on Student Well-Being