It's suicide prevention month, and one local community is hoping to decrease these deaths one conversation at a time.

Experts say there are 50,000 suicide deaths a year in this country, including more among teens.

"We've all probably been touched by suicide, we've known someone," said Margaret Watt, the director of prevention services at Positive Directions in Westport.

Watt held a free suicide prevention training Friday at the Westport Library.

"What makes someone suicidal, you have to have this feeling that your problems are not going to end," said Watt.

Watt says men are four times more likely to die of suicide than women. She says rates among the LGBTQ+ community and young people seem to be the highest.

Watt says the most important thing we can do is have a conversation with someone.

"And all we have to do is offer hope and show caring," said Watt.

Connecticut suicide numbers have been low compared to the rest of the country, but experts say the pandemic increased the number of cases.

"The isolation, the loss that we've all experienced through this COVID pandemic. It's been hard on everybody. I think that's a huge factor effecting mental health," said Kevin Godburn with the Westport Prevention Coalition.

Positive Directions in Westport is now holding meetings every Tuesday night where people can talk about suicide prevention and hopefully save lives.

People can use these resources:

Connecticut mobile crisis hotline (203) 974-7713

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline