Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 18: Suicide Awareness
(01/26/2022) Several of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast episodes over the past two years have discussed and provided resources on the topic of mental health. A topic that has been weaved into that conversation is suicide. Suicide can be a topic that is difficult to discuss, and at times, there can be a stigma, and often, we don’t know how to start the conversation on such an emotional topic.
In the latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard, Anoka-Hennepin parent involvement coordinator, sits down with Janet Casperson, an Anoka-Hennepin parent, and Julia Messenger, the district’s school social worker, social emotional learning teacher on special assignment, to provide additional awareness around the topic of suicide.
You will hear one mother’s story and how, through the loss of her son, Sam, she has become an amazing advocate and resource in our school community.
For those who need immediate support, you are not alone. 24-hour support is available by phone by calling the National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-8255. Please note, this number will transition to a new three-number 988, starting on July 16, 2022. By text message, contact the crisis text line by texting MN to 741741.
Both services are always available to support the mental health needs of persons in crisis and are offered at no cost.
To learn more about Thumbs Up, a non-profit organization that embraces all those who are struggling and breaking the stigma around mental health, visit thumbsupformentalhealth.org.
Tune in to the latest episode via Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or on the district website.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.