Schools effort is a welcome response to recent tragedies | Editorial
Published 2:25 pm Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Our community has been shaken by some tragic and untimely deaths in the past couple of years, many of them suicides. While there’s nothing to indicate that this is a trend or the deaths are somehow linked, it doesn’t make them any easier to bear. In a small town like Vashon, many of us now know multiple people who have died recently. Even those who haven’t lost anyone are impacted by being around others who are shocked and grieving.
There have been some efforts to respond to these tragedies. An event in the fall organized by Michael Meade, a local author and speaker, provided a safe place for islanders, particularly youth, to grieve and feel supported. And the parents of a young man who died by suicide in October are already trying to create something positive in his memory — they’re holding their third brainstorming meeting tomorrow night. While such projects could generate good results, it’s a relief to see a wide and comprehensive effort by Vashon’s school district, the only organization that has contact with and influence over most children and teens on Vashon.
Last year, there were six suicides on the island, and three of them were people between ages 15 and 24. Suicide is complex, and in nine out of 10 deaths by suicide, mental health issues —such as depression — and/or substance abuse have been found to contribute. Experts also say that exposure to suicide is one of many risk factors for suicide. While all schools should make moves to prevent suicide, officials at Vashon’s school district recognize that island students may be especially vulnerable right now.
The schools see that when it comes to preventing suicide, addressing mental health needs is the best way forward. Provided the district can raise $50,000 a year needed for the project, there will be more talk in the classroom about mental health issues, depression and suicide. Teachers, students and even parents will be trained to recognize warning signs for suicide, and they’ll know what to do when they see them. The project will hopefully be based on sound science and will have ripple effects in the community as youth and adults become more educated on the matter. While there’s nothing that indicates the recent deaths our community is mourning are a trend that will continue, one more suicide is one too many, and the schools are right to boost their efforts.
