Today, for the first time since Charles left Cosby High School to go to a therapeutic boarding school, I went back to speak to a club of health science kids about mental illness, suicide and the high school program I have developed with teens to eliminate stigma. I was hit by a lot of emotion in the parking lot.
I so appreciated the opportunity to appeal to this generation not to carry forward the stigma of mental illness that blocks access to care and prevents many from reaching out for the help they need. After 7 years, this is the group that will inspire change. Thanks to Kerry Fretwell for my lovely semi colon project heart. It was nice to see Alex and her sister as well as other familiar faces.
I am an emotionally naked mental health speaker, and author of the Book, Diary of a Broken Mind and co-author with Kim O'Brien PhD, LICSW of Emotionally Naked: A Teacher's Guide to Preventing Suicide and Recognizing Students at Risk. I raised two boys, Richard and Charles, and lost my younger son, Charles to addiction and suicide on June 5, 2015. I help people foster a culture of connection to prevent suicide, reduce substance misuse and find life after loss. My motivational mental health keynotes, training and workshop topics include suicide prevention, addiction, mental illness, anxiety, coping strategies/resilience, and grief.
As talented and funny as Charles was, letting other people know they matter was his greatest gift. And now the legacy I try and carry forward in my son's memory.
Mental Health Speakers Website. Trained in ASIST and trainer for the evidence-based 4-hour training for everyone called safeTALK.
View all posts by Anne Moss Rogers
4 thoughts on “Semi colon heart— #griefheart number 213”
Anne,
I would love to do what you do, with openly talking to teens about suicide, mental illness, the right to be able to share their struggles with their peers, etc.
I’m a substitute School Nurse, and feel I have helped some kids, on an one to one basis, but feel ready to do more, on a larger scale. Praying about how to do this, but don’t know how to go about it.
I’d appreciate any suggestions, training, or courses I would need to develop such a program. I would volunteer my time, if I could provide this service.
Thank you for all you do to help others. Jan Hall
You could volunteer for AFSP. Not that many programs for teens. They have a new film for college kids which would be appropriate for juniors and seniors. It’s good.
There is a program that rocks but it’s a lot to take on. I heard this one was excellent. I signed up for their newsletter. https://sourcesofstrength.org/
I do talk to teens and I have a social media program launching in about 2 weeks. The teens are working on a video now. This page is not yet complete but close enough. Empowering the teens to rid the world of stigma. http://umatterchallenge.com
St. Edward’s Church has asked me to do a program for teens so we are. Will let you know when we have a date.
Anne,
I already volunteer, and raise money for AFSP. Our team name is CurT’s Cross. We do the walk in September, every year. Honestly, don’t know if I have the fortitude you have. I’ll continue what I’m doing at the schools, on a one to one basis. Thanks, Anne.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Anne,
I would love to do what you do, with openly talking to teens about suicide, mental illness, the right to be able to share their struggles with their peers, etc.
I’m a substitute School Nurse, and feel I have helped some kids, on an one to one basis, but feel ready to do more, on a larger scale. Praying about how to do this, but don’t know how to go about it.
I’d appreciate any suggestions, training, or courses I would need to develop such a program. I would volunteer my time, if I could provide this service.
Thank you for all you do to help others. Jan Hall
You could volunteer for AFSP. Not that many programs for teens. They have a new film for college kids which would be appropriate for juniors and seniors. It’s good.
There is a program that rocks but it’s a lot to take on. I heard this one was excellent. I signed up for their newsletter. https://sourcesofstrength.org/
I do talk to teens and I have a social media program launching in about 2 weeks. The teens are working on a video now. This page is not yet complete but close enough. Empowering the teens to rid the world of stigma. http://umatterchallenge.com
St. Edward’s Church has asked me to do a program for teens so we are. Will let you know when we have a date.
Anne,
I already volunteer, and raise money for AFSP. Our team name is CurT’s Cross. We do the walk in September, every year. Honestly, don’t know if I have the fortitude you have. I’ll continue what I’m doing at the schools, on a one to one basis. Thanks, Anne.
Good for you, Anne Moss. I know that had to be hard for you, but you did it. Lives will be saved!