Chicago Suicide Programs | Suicide Prevention in Chicago | Chicago Suicide Support | Chicago Suicide in Illinois | Elyssa's Mission | Northbrook, Illinois

Hurricane of Hope

Elyssa's Mission — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:56:40 +0000

On Saturday I volunteered at the first of its kind Hurricane of Hope held in Arlington Heights. This day devoted to raising awareness and breaking stigmas about suicide, depression and anxiety, was sponsored by Township School District 214 in conjunction with the support of several community agencies–including Elyssa’s Mission. The event was spearheaded by two seniors, Elizabeth Bailey from Buffalo Grove High School and Jessica Giambarberee from Prospect High School, both of whom also spoke at the event. Giambarberee revealed a long list of stressors that she has had, and still has, to face, yet explained how she has managed to remain positive and find healthy means of coping. She certainly understands, however, how depression can cloud one’s thinking and cause a teenager to believe that suicide is the only answer. That certainly was the case for Bailey, who bravely recounted her ongoing struggle with depression and her resulting attempts to take her own life. At one point she shared how her mother begged her–in none other than the hospital room where she was confined following a suicide attempt–not to kill herself. At that low-point in her life Bailey calmly replied, “I have to.” I am certain I was not the only person in that auditorium to choke back tears. Bailey has since gotten the help that she desperately needed, and knows that she has a purpose in life: “You can use your story to change someone else’s life. That’s very motivational.” Motivational she was, along with many others that day. The event’s keynote speaker, Harper College adjunct professor Frank J. Klawitter, stressed the fact that suicide brings “permanent consequences for temporary circumstances. “ He told the familiar story of an old man busily throwing starfish that had washed up onto shore back into the sea, well aware of the fact that, while he cannot save them all, he can certainly make a difference for those starfish that he does touch. Klawitter’s message accurately reflected the Hurricane of Hope’s purpose: not to solve the problem of teenage suicide, but to begin the process of breaking down stereotypes and stigmas within District 214’s community, one person at a time. By making the decision to implement the SOS Signs of Suicide® program in all district schools, and by continuing to host education-raising days such as this one, District 214 is on the right path toward educating students, parents and community members about depression and suicide, and working to ensure that at-risk teens get the help and support that they need.

–Posted by Jodie Segal, Director of Education

Aptakisic Junior High

Elyssa's Mission — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:06:28 +0000

Kudos to Aptakisic Junior High, the first school to help Elyssa’s Mission raise funds for their organization. We were so grateful and honored to be chosen as the recipients of their fund-raising event. What impressed me most are the leadership skills of an eighth grade student, Leah. It was her idea to turn an annual talent show into a fund-raiser for our mission. Students brought baked goods to sell at the event. Parents came out to support their children. School-staff donated a dollar each time they wore Blue Jeans to school. Eighteen courageous students displayed their talent in the Annual Mosaic Variety Show. They sang, danced, and played instruments in front of their peers and community members. I applaud their talent. And I applaud a young leader whose talent lies in bringing a community together to raise awareness and much needed funds for an important topic. She is truly making a difference.

- Published by Joanne Meyers, President

Teaching Suicide Prevention to High School Students

Elyssa's Mission — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:53:15 +0000

On Monday and Tuesday of this week (March 19th and 20th), I had the opportunity to pilot the SOS program in an all-girls self defense class at a southwest suburban high school. This was the first time that I taught the program on my own within a school setting; normally I am either assisting school staff or observing them teach. Melissa Malnatti, a friend of Elyssa’s and Board member of Elyssa’s Mission, was able to co-teach with me on the first day, which was an eye-opening experience both for me, and for the students. Students listened in silence when they heard Melissa speak about her regrets over Elyssa, and how she wished she would have had a program like SOS when she was in school so that she would have known what to do, and would not have kept Elyssa’s suicidal thoughts a secret. Melissa made it impossible for students to forget the ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) message when she told them how she would much rather have had Elyssa mad at her for telling an adult about her concerns than the alternative: having to attend her best friend’s funeral. Throughout the two program days, student spoke openly about depression and suicide, asking questions and even sharing personal experiences. One girl, for example, bravely told about the time her close friend was imminently suicidal, and how she enabled her to get the help she needed by telling her friend’s mom. The girls learned a lot, particularly to ACT in order to save a friend’s life. The post-test results speak for themselves: 100% of students defined ACT correctly.

–Posted by Jodie Segal, Director of Education

Elyssa’s Mission Applauds Wheaton Students on Suicide Prevention

Elyssa's Mission — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:47:00 +0000

Elyssa’s Mission would like to applaud the efforts of two Wheaton teens whom went above and beyond the requirements of a class project, and bravely tackled a difficult and often taboo topic: suicide. Students in the government class were challenged to raise awareness by educating on a specific problem or issue, and subsequently promote a specific civic action to address this problem or issue. Two of these students, inspired by the tragic suicide of Suzy Gonzales, a California native whom was encouraged by online “suicide groups” to take her life, opted to use this class project as a venue to bring awareness about suicide prevention and a law that would prohibit internet users from encouraging others to complete suicide. They wrote and produced a public service announcement that brought the issue of suicide out into the open, where it needs to be. Suicide, which is the third leading cause of death among teenagers ages 15-24, cannot be ignored; however, it is not a topic most adults feel comfortable addressing, let alone teenagers! Two Wheaton teens were brave enough to speak out and make a difference, countering norms and setting an example. For that, we thank you.

-Posted by Jodie Segal, Director of Education

Observing SOS

Elyssa's Mission — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:06:36 +0000

I am a volunteer with Elyssa’s Mission. I recently had the opportunity to visit a high school that was presenting the Signs of Suicide ® program (SOS program) and found myself skyrocketed into an experience of unexpected proportions. First, the program was well prepared, managed, analyzed and executed. All staff were focused and invested in a positive outcome for the students – about 500. Next, I had the opportunity to watch the SOS program DVD for the first time with a classroom of girls. Not only did it discuss Elyssa’s story among others, it also presented vignettes that were representative of potential high school situations among friends around depression and suicide. The professionalism and appropriate management of this serious material was evident throughout the DVD with teenage language being used with an eye for diversity to effectively communicate how to help oneself or a desperate friend. I found myself having a visceral experience relating information in the DVD to my own past personal experience with family, friends and coworkers. I thought about what a positive difference it might have made in my life and others if such information had been available earlier in our lives. After viewing the DVD, staff led a discussion with the girls based on the content of the vignettes highlighting the signs of suicide and ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell an adult). Then, the BSAD and Response Cards were filled out by the students for completion of the day’s formal program to be immediately screened by staff to connect students in trouble with appropriate counselors as soon as possible. As the girls were dispersing after class, one girl converged on the teaching staff but found him busy with another girl’s questions, she circled around and spotted us (Elyssa’s Mission’s Director of Education and myself) and bee-lined directly toward us in a rush that resulted in her initial silence at her bravery and then a flood of tears. She asked for help as we comforted her until staff was available to talk with her and connect her with a counselor. Profound! I had experienced an immediate result of the benefits of the SOS program. I left that day feeling the full impact of the success of this program to positively change teenagers’ lives.
- Posted by Quaquilla Rhea Walker, PhD
Social Science Researcher

Old St. Pat’s

Elyssa's Mission — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:57:41 +0000

On Sunday February 5th, Elyssa’s Mission had the pleasure to present to over 40 students, parents, and staff at Old St.Pat’s Church in Chicago. The participants were shown our SOS Signs Of Suicide DVD and then participated in a lively discussion on best ways to communicate with someone who may be suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts. They were taught how to use the ACT technique: Acknowledge you or your friend has a problem, Care about your friend, Tell a trusted adult, if they encounter someone in need. Our board members and educational staff fielded many great questions from students and parents regarding Elyssa, depression, warning signs, and our mission. The Old St.Pat’s participants were wonderful and their willingness to discuss such a strong topic provided for a great beginning to our day.
- Posted by Patrick McHugh

A Day of Teaching Suicide Prevention

Elyssa's Mission — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:31:04 +0000

I’m not really sure if I can really express what today meant to me. It was amazing having you and Nicole there this morning. Looking into the student’s eyes, I know your words changed their lives. Elyssa’s story is a powerful one, and having you there to answer questions and shed light on the subject was something I will never forget. I appreciate your strength and courage; I know it’s not easy for you to be there. I have loved teaching the program, it has been therapeutic for me in a way and I always feel Elyssa’s warmth in the room. Thank you for coming back for the afternoon session. Today is a day I’ll never forget.

Posted by Melissa Malnati, Intern – Social Work

Reflections on Suicide Prevention

Elyssa's Mission — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:44:02 +0000

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I joined a team of counselors and social workers at a northwest suburban high school to help them implement the SOS program for the very first time. For 8 consecutive class periods, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., we taught all freshmen (close to 500 students) how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and depression, and, more importantly, how to help friends in need by seeking help from a trusted adult. School staff did a fantastic job of not only teaching the program, but also emphasizing its importance. For me, this was a new experience, as well; while I have had the opportunity to observe the program at many schools, this was the first time that I assisted with the teaching. It was wonderful to see how engaged students were both while watching the DVD, and participating in the group discussions. They took the topic very seriously and seemed moved by the real stories in the DVD, particularly Elyssa’s. When I talked about Elyssa’s Mission, and how we got started, all eyes were on me and the room was silent—every single time. Students clearly were shaken with the prospect of losing a friend to suicide. They asked how old Elyssa was when she killed herself, and gasped when they discovered she was not much older than they are now. We talked about adults in their lives that they could go to if they had a friend like Elyssa; by a show of hands, virtually all indicated that they would go to one of these adults, and not keep their friend’s suicidal thoughts a secret. Today, at the close of “day two,” I feel exhausted yet exhilarated at the same time. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel at knowing that 500 more teens are armed with the tools they need to help save a life.
-Posted by Jodie Segal, Director of Education

Save the Date

Elyssa's Mission — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:49:41 +0000

It’s not to early to mark your calendars for Elyssa’s Mission’s annual benefit “Racing To Save Young Lives” August 12, 2012 at Arlington Racetrack.

Old. St. Pat’s Church

Elyssa's Mission — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:48:58 +0000

This past Sunday, Elyssa’s Mission had the opportunity to teach the educational component of the SOS Signs of Suicide® program to members of the 8th grade youth group at Old St. Pat’s Church. We were so impressed with the turnout, not only of the students, but also of the parents; every seat was taken! Joanne Meyers, President of Elyssa’s Mission, initiated the presentation by posing the following impossible-to-ignore question: “Did you know that suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens ages 15-24?” She went on to explain why we do the work we do, revealing that when her daughter Elyssa completed suicide, educational programs about suicide really didn’t exist within most schools. Joanne made the point known that through education to teens about the warning signs of depression and suicide, many young lives could be saved.

What followed was a showing of the “Friends For Life: Preventing Teen Suicide” DVD, paused at key points to allow for discussion. Several of Elyssa’s friends (who are also Board members of Elyssa’s Mission) were present to aid with the discussion and respond to the group’s questions about Elyssa. Melissa, Pat and Zach clearly reiterated the ACT message that appeared throughout the DVD (Acknowledge that your friend has problem, Care-show them that you care, Tell a trusted adult), expressing their personal regret about not having taken Elyssa’s warning signs seriously enough. Teens and adults alike were touched by their stories, and discussion in the room flowed following the DVD segment on “Elyssa’s Story.”

-Posted by Jodie Segal, Director of Education