Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris Shares Its Comprehensive 'Stop Teen Suicide' Video
Published on April 28, 2020
Acknowledging that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 10 and 24, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris has released a comprehensive, straight-forward video on how to recognize signs of a troubled mind in a loved one and steps to take to guide the individual to solace and treatment.
The video is viewable at this link: https://stopteensuicide.mhaessexmorris.org.
The video was created for the Mental Health Association by Melissa Recarte, whose beloved brother, Ricky Godoy, died by suicide on September 21, 2017. Ms. Recarte and friends created a non-profit called Ricky's Compass to #ShattertheStigma associated with suicide and curb the numbers through positive outreach.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, with Melissa Recarte on right, at a Break the Stigma event in Morristown in 2019.
The video advises viewers on how to compassionately engage with an individual who has stated or indicated that he or she is contemplating suicide; phrases and words to avoid; and how to help the individual on a path to a healthy recovery.
The video shares stories by relatives and friends of individuals who died by suicide and encourages people to reach out when they need help or when someone they know is struggling.
The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris is one of the partners in the Morris County Sheriff's Office Hope One mobile substance abuse and mental health disorder program, which has made more than 10,400 contacts since its launch on April 3, 2017.
HERE IS THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION'S STATED GOAL:
For nearly 70 years, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris County is steadfastly committed to the core tenets that mental illness is real and, more importantly, that recovery is possible. Our mission is to promote mental health, including the integration of physical healthcare, to improve the care and treatment of individuals with mental illness, and to remove the stigma associated with emotional and mental disorders. We as a community organization, accomplish our mission through advocacy, education, prevention, early intervention, treatment and service.