With Young People in Mind
Over four thousand students trained in QPR and the hands still go up every time I ask the question, "Do you know someone who has attempted or completed suicide?"
The fact is, young people know a lot about suicide. Not only are they aware of the issues, but my experience is that they want and need to talk about it. Unfortunately, often times parents and other adults don't. Due to lack of straightforward communication, that leaves young people clinging to many of the same myths about suicide that adults struggle with. Realizing this, I capitalize on the opportunity to share that we are all in a learning process, young people and adults. I tell them it's okay to talk about suicide and, just as important, it's also okay to seek help.
During the course of my trainings, I strive to both listen to young people and to empower them. By reaching out to others, asking the suicide question and getting friends to the appropriate resources, I tell them that they are not only helping their friends, but they are teaching the adults in their lives as well. I frequently tell them, "Your desire to communicate honestly is what parents and adults need to see. Each of you has a purpose for being here. This purpose is uniquely your own. No one else can ever fill your shoes or replace what you are meant to do with your life. We lose one of you and we lose the world. You each have the power to make a difference every day!"
I think our youth often get a bum rap
from the many negative stories and headlines that appear in print or on T.V.
The majority of kids I meet want the closeness of family and friends. They
want to make a positive difference. Let's give them the fighting chance they
deserve by being honest and by showing them that we adult are brave enough
to talk about topics that hurt or are scary. When we all work together, I
think we will really begin to make a difference in the lives of others.
Robin Mandelas
Spokane, WA
