1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK

Pretty heavy posting here Debbie. My heart bleeds for the families.

But yes this is an issue that should be talked about. I was just reading a book called, 'a different drum' by M. Scott Peck. A book about  real community. Oh boy how we badly need real community. I come from the Philippines, 'a third world country' but i have uttered more than a few times that ' i have seen far more people depressed and lonely in the U.S than in the Philippines'  I love both the U.S and the Philippines. Thats not the point. Point is being in the 'wealthiest' nation in the universe does not necessarily translate to real joy and happiness. Many people, including me sometimes, think that financial resources will answer every problem in the world. Unfortunately not. i hope very much that i can be more sensitive to the people around me, a tap in the shoulder, a genuine ' how are you doing' can do wonders..iv realized.

Lotsa clicks and reads, but no comments.  If you have additional resources you would want someone to see, please feel free to post them. 

I, for one, was disappointed that we didn't have a local crisis number in Juneau.  Ketchikan has one and they are less than half the size of Juneau.  I spent over an hour looking for a number in the phone book or online that would be local.  I found dead links on websites, including our city and state government sites.  I started to wonder if anybody in Juneau cared!

If you have any links, articles, comments, etc please do post them here.  It isn't about the blog.  It is about the kids.

Joe -  Thank you for posting as I put my comments above.  You are right, that money isn't the answer.  In fact, "developing" countries have a much lower rate of suicide.  Alaska's rate is higher than much of the nation but that has a lot to do with isolation, weather and darkness in winter.  Three of the four did this when it wasn't winter.  Oh, and I hope you visit Juneau someday.  We have a huge population of Filipinos.  Their history in this part of the country is quite extensive.  They even have their own community hall. 

You are also correct about "real community".  I've had an open door policy in my home for years and I've been with a lot of kids in crisis.  There's a ton of boys in this town that call me "mom".  That's probably why this is so hard.  If you don't know the kid here, you probably know the family.  The latest one came from a family I've known most of my life. 

Thank you for the quick response Debbie. Your character feels like 'fresh laundry' you making a difference in these kids lives. I think thats more than awesome. I would love to visit your place someday. 

This hits home,as I just received an email over the weekend from a friend,whose best friend's son committed suicide and he was only 18.It is always so sad to hear stuff like this.

Joe - We'd love to have you.  This is one of those places you want to know someone when you come so you see the "real" Alaska.

BLR Guy - The statistics are staggering and heartbreaking.  I don't know of anyone not affected by someone at some time.  I was shocked at how few local resources I could find.  It has got to change.

Debbie,

    That would be nice to know someone over there if I do go there someday. Thanks.. same here if you're going to Reno,NV. Just shoot me an email..

Quick update... because this issue has really hit so many families here, I've decided it's time for action.  We are going to make a video with photos of all these teens and their stories.  The families and friends that are willing t participate will be invited to do so.  The video will basically be a "stop, don't do it" with all the reasons why not to.  I think telling the stories of the heartbreak within the families may stop at least one.  And one is all it takes to make the effort and expense worthwhile.

Hi, Debbie,

Cathleen, from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, emailed me your blog this morning.

Good job!!!  I am happy to see people responding to the blog, and was wondering if you could mention that Careline is available to all Alaskans, is a program accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, and is available toll-free at 1-877-266-4357 or 1-800-273-8255 (the Lifeline)?  This may help people to know that they can talk to someone in Alaska.

Thank you, for your energy and for your follow-through!

~Kimberlee

(Cut & Pasted from email this morning)

This is so very sad.  Lost another one 10/26/07