This is the first in a series of articles on the increasing cases of suicide. The statistics are alarming when it comes to teen suicide, as one counselor reveals. Bullying generally comes to the surface when discussing the topic.  

How does a community, particularly a school, recover from the death of one of its own by suicide, especially when it is a teen?  

As Facebook has demonstrated recently, there’s generally an outpouring of concern as to what event, or events, pushed a local student into suicide.  

The local community has poured out its heart to a family here going through that grief.  

According to Jan Lamb, counselor with Branches Counseling Center, the community must “talk about it.” In the case of the school, she advises that children must be asked how they’re feeling, as well as administrators and teachers.  

“Allow them to have a safe space, no judgement space, to express their feelings,” says Lamb.  

She advises parents if they sense their child or anyone for that matter is struggling and will not talk, they should be encouraged to write down their feelings. 

 “This can be done in letter form, essay form, journaling or any other express of their feelings. Lastly, educate!”  

Lamb mentions the Jason Foundation as being an excellent source of information and even has an app called, “A Friend Asks.” 

 She says it’s an excellent way to walk children and teens through getting answers and helping friends.  

“I cannot express enough how important education is for everyone,” says Lamb, who operates a counseling office on East Depot at First Baptist Church.  

“There are so many misconceptions about suicide floating around.” From her office, she sees, unfortunately, how suicide has become more common over the last few years.  

“If you think about it, today’s children cannot escape bullying—even when they go home! Social media is the worst culprit for this problem.”  

And as of late, the quarantine hasn’t helped.  

“However, we are seeing more and more children and teens that are having anxiety and depression due to the quarantine. The statistics have skyrocketed for this age group [young teens.]   In addition to communicating after a suicide event, Lamb advises how memorials can bring closure.  

“Allow the friends to speak or write and share about their friend.”  

She notes that suicide is often downplayed in society. That causes her greater concern, as a counselor. “Keep an eye on one another for warning signs. Do not think that because someone voices suicidal ideation that they are attention-seeking only! Always take it seriously.”  

Bullying Lamb adds, “Children may take their lives for many reasons. Bullying is one of the top reasons. What we as adults see as something that will not matter in the long run may be huge for that child and push them over the edge.  

The pressures that children face today and the fact that they cannot get away from their bully, if they have social media or even a phone, play a great role in suicide.  

Imagine being constantly bombarded with negativity. Some children even experience bullying at home from siblings or relatives.  

Talk to your children and find out what they are experiencing at school and anywhere else they go.”  

When it comes to bullying, Lamb says it can “definitely” push a child to the brink of suicide for obvious reasons.  

“Put yourself in their shoes. Even if you do not have a propensity toward depression, constant bullying is horrid. If you already have low self-esteem, self-image, and no support to tell you that you are loved, appreciated, and a gift from God then imagine what that does to a child who already feels alone!” Lamb says she has a great passion for educating the community on this topic.  

How society can help  

How can we as a society be more attuned to those suffering?  

“Watch for depression in those around you. They will tell you they are fine, if you ask. You have to be persistent and intentional to get a real answer. Watch for feelings of sadness, withdrawal, and isolation from other, anger outbursts, and even talking about suicide. If someone tells you that they are suicidal, NEVER ignore it. Take them to the nearest ER or call 911. Do not leave them alone.”  

Lamb advises that one “silent warning sign” includes giving away prized possessions.  

The most important thing is for adults and children to know what to do if they feel a friend or fellow student is suicidal or depressed, the counselor says.  

“Educate yourself by going to jasonfoundation. com.”  

Suicide is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the nation today, according to the foundation. It is estimated the nation loses an average of more than 125 young people each week to this tragedy that can be prevented. 

The Jason Foundation, Inc. believes that education is the key to prevention. Those who began the non profit understand perhaps better than anyone about suicide. 

A letter from “Jason’s” father  

Dear Friend,  

Jason was my youngest son. He was an average 16-year old. He got mostly B’s on his report card, and he loved sports, especially football. He was active in his youth group and he had a lot of friends. Jason was the one who was always up for going places and trying new things. From all appearances…my son loved life.  

But on July 16th in 1997, everything changed. My son, Jason became a statistic of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide.  

In trying to come to terms with what happened, I began researching youth suicide. The statistics are very alarming. 

Did you know that on average, over 100 young people this week will become victims of youth suicide? Youth suicide can be prevented, and that is what The Jason Foundation is all about. I urge you to get involved. Together we can help stop this epidemic. Ask for our material. Read it. Then share it with your friends, family and others. Please help us reach out to hurting teens with another choice. I will never hug my son again.  

But I can and will work alongside you…perhaps to save your friend, your neighbor’s child, a relative or even your own son or daughter.  

It can happen to anyone 

A few years ago, Lamb presented the Jason Foundation information to a local middle school.  

“There was not one class that I presented the information to that had not been touched in some way by suicide. Do not assume it cannot happen to you, your family, or your friends.”