A SMALL CHANGE MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
The flutter of a butterfly’s wings can make a difference in the world. Conner is our butterfly.
MISSION & OUR STORY
ConnerStrong Foundation works to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention and to change the discussion about mental health, especially in our teens and young adults. The foundation also provides outreach and comfort to the families and communities affected by mental health and suicide.
STAY UP-TO-DATE
Mental health issues and suicide are a leading epidemic among our teens and young adults. Untreated mental illness and the general stigma of mental health and its effects in this population – including depression, anxiety and eating disorders – is associated with poor success in school and an increased probability of suicide ideation and suicide attempts. Treatment is effective and available yet because of an unnecessary shame surrounding these issues, mental health is not discussed and too many students are suffering in silence.
Teens
Speaking up is hard enough without the added stress of thinking about where to find the answers to the questions you worry most about. Life as a teenager can be stressful enough as it is… from homework to friendships, fighting with parents to getting into college. This page has the contact information you need to find out where you can reach out. It’s never too late to speak up and talk, someone is always ready to listen.
Get connected. Learn more how you can get involved and help others. Make a difference!
Parents
There is no need to be embarrassed about asking questions or reaching out for help. It is okay to be concerned about your child and it is your job as a parent to make sure that you are doing everything you can to get them the support they need. As a parent, you have instincts about your child, and if your instinct tells you that something is wrong and this is not “just a phase” then you should listen to yourself.
EDUCATORS
ConnerStrong Foundation has partnered with SPTS to deliver clinically proven resources, workshops and training (on-line and in person) to our educators. These resources, workshops and training are based on scientific studies, learning and working with survivors and clinically proven data and facts.
We owe it to our children, young adults, families, and communities to STOP this. Too many young lives are ended by this permanent decision to a temporary problem. #DONTENDYOURSTORY
Recognize the warning signs of suicide and seek immediate attention
- Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself.
- Talking or writing about suicide or death.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about being a burden to others and how the world would be better off without him/her.
- Displaying extreme mood swings and acting recklessly.
- Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining access to firearms, pills, or other means to kill oneself.
- Talking about being trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Complete withdrawal.
- Giving away prized possessions and other personal things; tying up loose ends.
If you or someone you love exhibits any of these signs, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255(TALK). If you cannot reach someone on this line, go to an emergency room, make sure you or your loved one is not alone until professional help arrives and remove all firearms, sharp objects, drugs, alcohol and other things that could be used in a suicide attempt.