Statistically speaking, nearly half of American youth between the ages of 12 and 19 have considered suicide. On May 23, 39 students from Bridgeport High School, along with representatives from all Harrison County high schools collaborated to find ways to reduce that statistic significantly.

 

On the second training in the last six months, students participated in Safe Talk training, facilitated by Prevent Suicide WV Regional Director Hope Siler.  The five-hour workshop not only gave students ways to identify signs of mental distress, but also allowed them to brainstorm practical ways to initiate change in their own schools. 

 

“The initial training we went through gave us an overview of how to spot signs of suicidal thoughts and what resources were available,” said BHS Junior Derek Hess.  “This training delved deeper into ways to initiate dialogue and refer students to people who can help.  It is our goal to work together with each other and with the adults who are involved so that we can destigmatize mental illness and create a conversation that will ultimately save lives.”

 

Siler taught students how to reframe common conversations and to look for signs that may signify suicidal thoughts.  The students did role-play scenarios and analyzed videos to determine what could be done differently in order to help.  The group decided to call themselves “The Life League,” to emphasize that they are committed to saving lives. 

 

The group will continue to be trained in order to better prepare them for conversations in which they may intervene.  Silas stressed that their role is not to be a counselor or to fix or carry anyone’s burden, but to simply be aware and listen so that they can refer students in distress to the needed resources.

 

Several local organizations were on hand during the training including Partnership for Success Coordinator Jo Anne McNemur, Tim Craig with the Children’s Mobile Crisis Unit and United Summit Center’s Shannon Jones, and BHS Counselors Kristina Robinson and Jane Byrd.

“We were blown away with how knowledgeable and enthusiastic the students were,” said Craig.  “They were eager to help and had unbelievably great ideas to contribute.  They were willing to discuss the issues openly and use their own experiences to help others in need and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to all work together to destigmatize mental illness and make a positive change.”

 

After the student training took place on Wednesday, an evening session was open for adults interested in finding ways to identify suicidal signals and learn what to do when someone is mentally distressed. Over twenty community members attended the workshop, which mimicked the student training but delved deeper into the role of adults and the resources they can use.

 

A follow-up discussion and planning session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30 from 3-6 at Panera.  Students and adults will then review what they learned in the training and create action plans for the next several months.  Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting and should contact trinarunner@gmail.com with any questions or to RSVP.