ESCANABA -- The topic of suicide holds a lot of stigma in our society.
But today, Escanaba high school students received a message of encouragement from presenters with the Delta County Suicide Prevention task force.
"We’re just trying to get the kids to understand that a lot of us are the rule people here,” said Principal Doug Leisenring. “We're here to enforce order and make sure things are calm."
Three mental health professionals from BDD training associates stressed the importance of expressing feelings to parents or faculty. The shame felt by those who contemplate suicide is often what prevents them from reaching out to people who could save their life.
Leisenring added, "When you take an impulsive brain and you have what they think is a short-term traumatic situation and you make, sometimes, very permanent situations on a short-term problem...we're trying to get them to understand you're not alone."
Senior Emily Buchmiller said the presentation increased her awareness of peer-to-peer communication.
She said, “It definitely helped me be more aware of other people and their situations that they're in and how I need to reach out more. It helped me realize that maybe I can help stop it before it ends their life."
Principal Leisenring said that after the presentation, a few students even opened up their thoughts about suicide to supportive teachers.
Every two-and-a-half hours, a suicide is committed by a youth. Intervention is the best form of prevention. And remember, if there's someone that you're concerned about: how you ask the question is less important than just asking about it.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC