By Halima Gibson, Jessica Shuler & Kristin Schneider
A young man in his Junior year at a local high school had given up … given up hope of getting his grades back on track after a serious illness and extended absence; given up hope of fitting in; given up hope of earning his father’s love and respect; and consumed by grief after the death of his Godfather. He “dropped out” without a single question asked. There was no exit interview or follow-up call. A week later, that young man made his first attempt to end his life. Sadly this true story is not the only one of its kind we could share. Five years later, this young man’s brother is now a Junior at that same school. In just the last year, two of his young classmates died by suicide.
Here in North Broward, we live in some of the county’s most beautiful and safest cities with “A” rated schools, with weather that allows for outdoor activities year round, with places of worship on every other street and countless community groups. But suicide across all age groups is on the rise, even amongst our precious youngsters. Life is a gift and yet so fragile. Statistics show that every 13.3 minutes there is a suicide in the United States and every 32 seconds there is an attempt at suicide. These frightening statistics do not begin to explain the devastation to those affected by them. But there IS hope.
Our community has lost too many lives for us to keep responding to suicide in the same manner; without exploring new ways of combating this epidemic. Community leaders from across the county recently formed the “Suicide Prevention Initiative” which has already had several “conversations” led by former Coral Springs Mayor, Scott Brook, and co-founding partner Halima Gibson. Those contemplating suicide continue to “hide in the shadows” not getting the help they need. Having open conversations regarding suicide can be part of the solution to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. The Suicide Prevention Initiative is a supporter of the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention – FISP – a non-profit organization co-founded by Jackie Rosen, author of “The Butterfly on My Shoulder”.
We believe it’s of utmost importance to educate … parents, teachers, our children, and the community at large. We must remove the stigma of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses and thereby increase the willingness and ability for treatment like a neurostar tms therapy, which is a treatment for patients who have not benefited from prior antidepressant medication. We must make free resources available. We must help people learn that in addition to situational depression, clinical depression causes chemical and physical changes in the brain that contribute to suicidal ideation, which often results in suicide.
Another goal is to have HOPE Clubs in all our Middle and High Schools, which teach teens “How to Overcome Problems Effectively”, to understand they do not need to become hopeless and helpless, resulting in the feeling that suicide is the only option to end their pain. FISP has already created these groups in JP Taravella, Coral Springs and Stoneman Douglas High Schools, with more planned.
We have a huge job to do; and YOU can be part of the solution.
Join our Community Conversation: Monday, February 23rd, 5:30 pm
at JP Taravella High School Media Center. All age groups welcome! Call Arlene Longo at 954-757-5551 or Halima Gibson at 954-684-6551 to learn more.
Join our Facebook Page “Suicide Prevention Initiative”
Visit FISPonline.org for information on their services and especially if you or a loved one needs help! You’ll learn ways to donate or contribute, and details of their Annual Dinner Dance on Friday, Feb. 13th, at The Signature Grand in Davie.