Suicide and Bullycide were the topics at a lecture organized by Times Editor-in-Chief Sarah Aguado and MATC Student Services. The guest lecturers were Andrea Kurth, and Adriana Rodriguez, Latino Outreach/Education Coordinator.Kurth and Rodriguez are from NAMI of Greater Milwaukee. NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and it is a non-profit organization that advocates for stopping the public stigma of mental illness. In NAMI’s own words they are “The Community’s Voice on Mental Illness.”
Melanie Wasserman, a psychotherapist, who previously worked with Jewish Family Services and is now in private practice, also addressed the audience. Wasserman specializes in grief and survivor therapy for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide.
The following U.S. statistics were presented by Kurth: “84 suicides every day, 25 (suicide) attempts for each documented death; 850,000 (suicide) attempts annually.” Yet, Kurth also stressed awareness and optimism by pointing out to the audience that “All it takes is one positive= action.anyone (here) can be the lifeline that saves a life.”
Wasserman began with an uplifting motto, “Hope prevents suicide.” She went on to share her career experiences and how important it is for the survivor/survivors left behind to realize the aspect of his or her grief. “Grief is a necessary.important part.of getting through it. It (is) how we react to loss.”
One of the most alarming scenarios presented was the correlation between bullying and suicide. We have become more aware of this association via national media reports on the multiple deaths of young students who were bullied by their peers for being different. The experts agreed and readers should note; if a friend or loved one tries to open up and talk about their feelings, and you start to make fun of them.you are not offering any hope. In fact, you are adding more negativity to their thoughts which are already consumed with personal worthlessness. Be perceptive and offer hope.
The non-profit organization, Mental Health America of Wisconsin has stated that depression “Is a serious illness that affects nearly 19 million adult Americans each year.” Both Kurth and Rodriguez mentioned that depression is a crucial factor for an individual who is contemplating suicide.
This is why it is so important as Kurth states, “to be the eyes and ears (around you).be aware.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a crisis line at 1-888-273-TALK (8255). Their mission statement sends out additional hope: “It takes the Courage and Strength of a Warrior to Ask for Help.”
To the friends and family of someone who is isolating themselves, becoming anti-social, exhibiting mood swings, irritability and anger.do not shun them. According to Rodriguez, “Researchers report that the emotional toll of workplace bullying can be more severe than that of sexual harassment.”
The epidemic of suicide and now bullycide is a national tragedy that we can help stop. Let’s not sweep it under the rug with yesterday’s stigmas.
Keep the movement of hope and awareness going. After all, in “15 seconds” you might just save another person’s life.
