By Council Member Susan Tellone-McCoy, RN, MSN, CSN:

On January 7, 2023, I had the pleasure of participating and speaking at Invisible Pain day held at the Middlesex Fire Academy. It was a day filled with survivors, brave and courageous families, friends and loved ones. It was a day of support, resources, coping strategies, love and mostly HOPE! I had the pleasure of speaking alongside such wonderful, compassionate and informed speakers. (See below.) The room was filled with tables full of resources, conversation and camaraderie, and a delicious lunch. All of the speakers delivered speeches that were empowering, supportive and honest about the depth of pain that suicide brings. The day felt warm and supportive with so many positive comments and gratitude for taking a day to recognize the INVISIBLE pain that so many carry inside their hearts. I was honored and humbled to represent the Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma on such a powerful and compassionate day.

Other speakers at this event were:

• Jim and Barbara Wiegand, Family Member
• Dr. Christina Blasoni-Topsidis, Social Worker in the Health Field
• Kalisha Smith, Clinical Consultant, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
• Officer Brian O’Mara, First Responder/Juvenile Corrections Officer
• Janet Berkowitz, Creative Crisis Care

To view more images click here.