Lost a student

Oh man. Prayers for comfort and healing heading your way. May he rest in the most peaceful of ways and his family find the comfort they need.

I'm so sorry for your loss. ::hugs::

So sorry! Praying for you and your community.

That is so sad. You and your community will be in my prayers

Suicide is almost always sad, but given the kid you describe, that's awful. So sorry to hear.

ana010, I liked this for support of you. I'm so sorry. There are no other words I can think of when something lie this happens.

That is some very awful, sad news. I really wish mental health issues took greater priority in our culture, as depression can be every bit as deadly as cardiovascular disease, and can remain undetected for years. I have personally known people affected by suicide/near-suicide, and all it takes is someone having a single really dark day they're unable to make it through, it's as scary as that. There are times I even worry about my dad regarding depression, and he's been a successful business owner with a marriage of over 35 years who a lot of people would generally regard as a highly positive, charismatic and likeable person. It can affect anyone. You'd be surprised how very alone people who seem to have it all can feel, when questioned about the deeper stuff... Like they can have all these friends, but are unable to deeply relate to any of them and can get caught up in the stresses of school/work/adverse life events feeling like it's solely their burden to bear. So yes... I strongly agree with taking the time to go home and hug your children. Whenever you hear someone say, "It's nothing," or "I'm fine don't worry," push a tad harder... You never know when having just a single heart-opening conversation can literally save someone's life.

I'm so very sorry.

I am so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your community.

I'm so very sorry for your loss and the loss your entire community is feeling.

May he rest in peace. Outward appearances can lead us to believe that some people "have it all" when they are actually very depressed. Many people are afraid to reach out for help because they fear being labeled as weak or mentally unstable. It's tragic.

I posted this last year, but I firmly believe that bringing it out in the light is the only way to change attitudes. NAMI has excellent resources, especially if you have an active chapter in your community. My SIL worked at the national HQ and still was a pain for me to get the materials, but it was worth it. I presented this to my 5-8 graders, well received.

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness | NAMI Ending the Silence