Working on a new parent brochure I recently called a local high school asking what some of their biggest challenges were with regards to parents and their child's mental health. We are focused on health insurance equality so we knew access to care would be an issue, but one of their biggest issues was dismaying [...]
When we think of suicide loss we naturally think of friends and family, but there is another group of people that need our support: first responders. Suicide rates for first responders are 20% higher than the general public. More die by suicide than in the line of duty. Many believe PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) [...]
Suicide is not always a choice made by what appears to be a relatively healthy person. Sometimes it is brought on by side effects of medication, and other times it can be brought on my mental illness. I think a lot of you survivors will be able to relate to my story. I have severe [...]
Faith-based leaders are often the first notified when a member is struggling with mental illness. They are in a unique position to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide hope to those in their congregation and their communities. Many individuals struggling with suicidal ideation are in a spiritual crisis. They may question their existence, [...]
Too long have schools and society ignored bullying. In many ways society has encouraged it. Going so far as to tell a young girl that if a boy hits them it is because they like them. What message does that send to young girls and boys? That it is ok to hurt someone because you [...]
Denise and Ben Denslow, LeAnn Hull and Tim Warnock know the endless pain a parent suffers when their child dies by suicide. That’s why the three attended a Chandler Unified School Board meeting, urging that the district pay more attention to the heartbreaking problem. Their pleas came in the wake of two apparent teen suicides [...]
Suicide awareness month is upon us. During this month we share with others and encourage them to reach out. I have felt compelled to share my story. Perhaps you will read about me and see yourself. Or you will see a friend, a loved one, a co-worker who needs your help. My hope is that [...]
I am saddened by another suicide loss this morning. I am grateful to CNN for not posting the details of his suicide. Thank you for putting the individual and his family above your ratings. Anthony Bourdain and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. As we have lost two great celebrities, we must also [...]
On April 19th we rushed to the Arizona State Senate building. A friend called and said we were in trouble. We had been fighting to ensure that every school district in the State would be required to provide training in suicide prevention to their teachers and other school personnel who work with our students. Senate [...]
We often think of suicide victims as people struggling with depression and anxiety. Over 90% of those that die by suicide have an underlying mental illness, but there is another population at great risk: the chronically ill. Living with chronic illness and for some patients, chronic pain, takes a toll, not only physically, but emotionally [...]
