Experienced the same thing
According to Marshall, some risk factors that may be present in children are: withdrawal from activities he or she once enjoyed, behavior changes, irritability, anger, sleep problems, appetite changes, rage or anger not proportional to situations, and attempts to harm themselves.
A 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among ages 10-24, with suicide as the second-leading cause.
In some cases, bullying has been cited as the underlying cause of suicide among children, but some medical experts believe there are other contributing factors.
“I believe that bullying has played a part, but not as big as media would portray. I believe a lot of suicide attempts have more to do with the youth’s mental health,” said Shelonda Phillips-McDonald, a Memphis therapist and clinical social worker.
Marshall said the discussion of mental health within households can make a difference.
“It’s important for parents, teachers and coaches to be educated about mental health and aware of when they should be concerned about a child,” Marshall said. “It’s also important that parents keep their homes safe by securing firearms and medications.”
Being a voice for others
In addition to advocating for suicide awareness and prevention, Kerry has honored her son in other ways.
Every fall, Kerry participates in the annual Out of the Darkness Memphis Mid-South Walk, which raises awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss.
“We each have a team and we honor our loved one by naming it after them and we try to raise money,” Kerry said. “All the money stays local, in terms of helping us with suicide awareness and prevention programs here in the Memphis area.”
Memphis Mid-South’s Out of Darkness Walk has raised more than $3,500 of its $65,000 goal, according to its website. The walk is open to suicide survivors, supporters of suicide prevention and awareness, and individuals who battle with depression and/or suicidal thoughts.
Kerry said it is necessary for families to talk to and help their children who are battling depression and suicidal thoughts.
“Be aware and don’t brush it off. If they say it, believe that they are thinking about it,” Kerry said. “Always stay alert and be aware that it’s serious because it’s usually a call for help.”
Kimberly Atkins, a clinical social worker and therapist, said open and honest conversations can possibly decrease the rate of suicide.
“The numbers of suicide may decrease when we have an open conversation about depression, grief, and suicide,” Atkins said. “This will teach our children from example that we cannot go through life alone, and we need each other to get through.”
Atkins founded Mind Renewals Inc., which is located in Memphis and hosts groups that discuss grief, loss, and depression and helps participants develop goals that promote stress management and coping development.
During Kerry’s grieving process, she and her family expressed their emotions and thoughts among each other, which helped them grow as a unit.
“We talked to one another and having a very supportive family and church helped. It’s always good to talk about your loved one also and to not ignore that they existed,” Kerry said. “In my group, we talk about how losing someone to suicide is like another layer of grief, and it really helps if you can talk to someone who has experienced the same thing you have.”
Kerry hopes her story and experience can empower those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
“You can live on and experience joy and happiness again. You have to learn how to incorporate this event in your life,” Kerry said. “Find some way to honor their memory or make a difference in the cause of suicide awareness and prevention. In addition, talking about your grief with a mental health professional, family member, friend or another suicide survivor is beneficial.”