Suicide Café - Café Fresco on Paxton

This event will be facilitated by a Chronically Strong volunteer with lived experience of being a survivor of a loved one that lost their life to suicide who is also certified in QPR Suicide Prevention.

• We will introduce the idea of a Suicide Café and explore ideas/beliefs about suicide and mental illness. While we offer discussion questions, the conversation flows based on what attendees wish to discuss.
• The intent of this café is to encourage our communities to open up about our thoughts, beliefs and concerns about things that are untalkable, like suicide, mental illness, and addiction.
• The idea is that by becoming more comfortable with talking about these issues, we can become less fearful and be able to talk about it more with our loved ones.
• You will not be expected to share during the meeting; receiving and listening are just as valuable.
• You are welcome to bring a prayer or poem to share at the café.

In 2020, the CDC reports that suicide was the 12th leading cause of death overall. However, if you look at break down by age groups, you will realize that deaths by suicide are actually a more serious occurrence:

• Ages 10-14: Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death
• Ages 15-24: Suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death
• Ages 25-34: Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death
• Ages 35-44: Suicide was the 4th leading cause of death
• Ages 45-54: Suicide was the 7th leading cause of death
• Ages 55-64: Suicide was the 9th leading cause of death(Source: https://bit.ly/2020suicidestats)

Suicide Cafe is not a support group, however, there may be participants who wish to share personal experiences. We offer group guidelines at the beginning of our discussion to remind people of the importance of keeping everyone's privacy.

This event is FREE. Teenagers are also welcome to attend, 14 yrs & up.

What People Are Saying About Suicide Cafe

“I feel that everyone was respectful and very nice. I would love if this could be something that could happen more.” ~Anonymous

“This was a cool event. I was able to open and express myself.” A.M.

“Great experience and open sharing. Loved the small group.” ~Anji

“I felt very comfortable. Everyone took their turn hearing each other out and respecting the other’s feelings and boundaries.” D.J.

********************************

Chronically Strong is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and encouraging community conversation on things that are untalkable. You can learn more about how we began by reading our most recently featured article at GlobalLeadership.org-read article here. You can also watch the promo video for our first Suicide Cafe here on ABC27

For more information on how you can volunteer, send us a direct message to chronicallystrong23@gmail.com.