This Westport comedy event will benefit the local suicide hotline center. Read more.
No matter how dark life's struggles can get, it's important to remember: "It's OK to laugh," says Samaritans Southcoast Executive Director Darcy Lee.
That's why on Saturday, Feb. 10, Samaritans Southcoast is bringing three comedians to White's of Westport to rally support for the local suicide prevention hotline call center — run by Samaritans Southcoast in an undisclosed local community — and awareness of the tremendous need for it.
"Laughter brings people together," said Lee, "and while suicide is no laughing matter at all, we do recognize that it’s helpful when you can create a sense of community...."
Lee said the nationally-known, locally rooted comedians who will be performing — Michael Petit, Howie Mason and Caroline Plummer — "are no strangers to what we deal with every day" in one form or another.
'Laughter is powerful'
Petit, who's headlining the event, dubbed "Stand Up For Suicide Prevention," says he was picked for it after Lee caught a performance he was doing at a local program for addiction recovery — an issue that's often mentioned hand-in-hand with suicide.
"I speak for people with substance abuse issues, so I got brought in," said Petit, an Attleboro native, now living in Plainville. "I've been sober 33 years now. I decided in 1990 I'm done partying and haven't had a drink or a drug since."
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About a year before getting sober, Petit had begun his career in stand-up, later evolving it into a business, Petit Productions, which organizes and often incorporates comedy into things like fundraisers and consumer-driven events. Throughout the years his work has also included being a regular at legendary Hollywood stand-up venues like the Comedy Store; working for Cartoon Network in Atlanta; and being a fly-on act for cruise ships.
"Laughter is just such a strong emotion — it releases endorphins, it reduces stress," Petit said. Perhaps it can even serve as an alternative for going to the gym. "I got a Facebook message from somebody after one of my shows: 'Thanks for the ab workout!'
"Laughter is powerful. I'm very fortunate to be able to do this."
Lee: People are becoming more comfortable talking about suicide
According to Lee, the SouthCoast suicide prevention hotline call center — one of five in the state — fielded 33,000 calls for the last completed year of data collection, and are on track to take 40,000 in the current year.
Lee says she takes this as a positive sign.
"That tells me people are more comfortable calling and that's what we want," she said.
"We’re able to not only listen, but provide strategies and safety planning, or call for a rescue if there's an imminent risk of suicide."
If it's determined a caller is in need of more than a talk, the call center can help facilitate what Lee calls a "warm hand-off." Formally, this function is known as an MCI, or mobile crisis intervention, Lee said; and in the SouthCoast region, it is performed by clinicians from Child & Family Services who immediately travel to the individual in need.
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"This way people who need assessment by licensed clinicians don't have to go to the ER and languish there, they don't have to have law enforcement as their first interaction during an emotional crisis," Lee said. "Then from there, depending on the assessment, they can be seen in 45 minutes to two days."
For suicide attempt survivors and those who've lost loved ones to it, Lee says Samaritans Southcoast runs the Safe Place peer-to-peer support group every first and third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with trained facilitators.
'We're trying to break the stigma down'
From a mental health perspective, Lee says the outbreak of COVID in 2020 may have exacerbated mental health issues with things like remote schooling and social distancing, it also brought awareness to a new level.
"Before ... there wasn't as much focus on mental health as there was physical health, so what COVID did was it put a spotlight on mental health," she said.
Now, Lee says she's hopeful that by continuing to open up the public discussion around suicide, it will create a climate in which those who need the help won't be afraid to seek it.
"We're trying to break the stigma around suicide down," she said. "We want people to know it's OK to laugh, it's OK to gather together and enjoy a comedy show and still remember those who have passed.
"All of the money raised at Stand Up for Suicide Prevention will help us keep the hotline and suicide prevention services free for our community."
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Petit says to him, comedy serves as a reminder that there's always a quick route to freedom from life's heaviness — one that, aside from some sore abs, won't hurt anyone.
"I always end my shows saying remember, most people's issues have nothing to do with you, and I hope you found a little escapism here tonight," he said.
If you go
WHAT: Stand Up For Suicide Prevention comedy night
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.
WHERE: White's of Westport, 66 State Rd., Westport
DETAILS: Aside from the main comedy event, guests can bid on silent and live auction items including, one-of-a-kind experiences, fine jewelry, designer handbags, fine dining, spa packages, and more. Plus, enjoy a complimentary "late night" donut bar. Cash bar, food and snacks will also be available. Tickets are $30 each. Tables of 8 are $240. To purchase event or auction tickets, visit www.samaritanssoco.org/stand-up-for-suicide-prevention.
Need help?
If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Comedy night to benefit Samaritans Southcoast's suicide hotline
