Suicide Prevention

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting coordinated by Zionsville Community High School on teen suicide prevention. Mark Hipple, ex Detroit Lions quarterback, and his daughter, Tara, shared about their lose of a family member and partnership with University of Michigan Depression Center. While I won’t get into details, this message is clearly of interest with historical events which we’re associated.

Five “Pieces of the Puzzle” for mental fitness highlighted by Hipple were:

– Responsibility (recognize your choices)
– Self esteem
– Boundaries
– Vulnerability
– Communication
– Commitment

I encourage you to go to their website to learn more about these and other valuable resources. For me, what really stood out is the importance of vulnerability and communication. Unfortunately, what most do is tend to move toward isolation which makes matters worse. Intuitively, I know this through working in a coaching environment; however, it’s through the vulnerability and communication of expressing how we’re feeling that the true healing begins to happen.

To that end, I think another thing I’d like to relate is that we have to lose the stigma related to depression and suicide. I know of stories where teens have been bullied and made fun of once they do open up. Additionally, I know of parents that hold back discussions with others going through these challenges in fear of what others will think and endangering their child to unnecessary labeling in the community. Likely one of the most important things going on in the Zionsville community is what happened last night. People have begun to talk openly about this disease. I encourage you to do the same.

While possibly a bit out of the ordinary for my blog post, I simply wanted to bring this awareness to my community as I know there are likely many suffering in some form.

There is help and please don’t hesitate to ask for it!