Contact Pittsburgh

Rachel's post:
On Monday, December 3, Elizabeth Zinno (LSW, MPH) gave a presentation at 8:00 p.m. in the Rogal Chapel. Elizabeth is the Director of Outreach and Volunteer Recruitment at Contact Pittsburgh, a 24-hour crisis and suicide hotline. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and received a dual undergraduate degree in psychology and biology. After taking a 6-year hiatus, she went on to receive her Master's degree in social work and public health. She was inspired to take the job at Contact Pittsburgh because of her interest in mental health and also by her sister, who suffers from clinical depression. She feels that depression and suicide are not discussed enough in our society, and has made it her personal mission to see that change.

Elizabeth showed us a very informative, very real film titled "The Truth About Suicide." The film dealt with college students, featuring interviews with students who have attempted suicide as well as interviews with the siblings and friends of those who died from suicide.

I am actually writing an article for The Sentry about Elizabeth's presentation, so I am not going to include a lot of information in this blog because I don't want people to read the same thing twice, but here are a few warning signs and solutions for those with suicidal feelings or for those who suspect that someone they know may be suicidal:

Suicidal Warning Signs:
*sudden change in personality
*giving away possessions
*previous suicide attempt
*withdrawal from people, especially close family or friends
*change in eating and sleeping patterns
*restlessness and inability to concentrate

When You Fear Someone May Take Their Own Life:
*take it seriously
*be willing to listen
*seek professional help
*follow up with the person to see how their treatment is going

If You Are Suicidal:
*tell an adult that you trust; if they don't take you seriously, tell someone else
*call a 24-hour crisis counseling line
*go to a mental health clinic or hospital emergency room
*call 911
(source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

Contact Pittsburgh is staffed by volunteers who undergo training, a 12-hour internship, and work 4-hour shifts at the hotline as often as they choose. The hotline receives about 20,000 calls a year (50 calls a day). Out of those calls, 60% are suicidal. Most crisis calls come from the person experiencing the actual crisis, but most suicide calls come from family or friends who are concerned that someone they know may be suicidal. The hotline is free and anonymous, and the number is 412-820-HELP (4357). If you are a psych major looking for a Practicum I project, consider becoming a Contact Pittsburgh volunteer. You must be 18 years of age, have your own transportation, work two 4-hour shifts per month, and commit to volunteering at the hotline for one year. Visit www.contactpgh.org for more information.

Just a heads-up for Friday: if you are planning on going to the Bodies Exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center, keep on checking your e-mail for an update on where and when we'll be meeting and who will be riding with who. Thanks to everyone who attended the presentation last night!

~Rachel