Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Group Assignment

My heart broke today when a mother told me that she was having a hard time finding help for her child.  I Googled information for her for about an hour and felt rather frustrated with how little information I was actually able to find in her area.  Just so everyone knows, she is actively seeking help for her child and will be keeping in touch with us.

This brought me to a "Group Assignment".  I would really appreciate it if you can Google Resource centers, Residential treatment centers, Day Programs and/or crisis centers in your area for families in need.  Please either share them below in the comments or send them to me at: melissa@littledivatutus.com Subject: Resources Centers.  Please note that all e-mails without a subject line are automatically deleted.

Our goal is to create a "Resource Center" of information for parents and teens looking for help.  International information is welcome as well!

Thank you,

Melissa
Zach's Mom

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Friend of Zach Suicide Prevention Bracelet Campaign

Thanks to our good friend Candi, Lady Gaga received a Friend of Zach bracelet at the American Idol finale!

To see more "Zachlets" in action, visit our Facebook page and share your photos!


Tuesday, June 7, 2011


60 Days Later...

A video we created in hopes to help others.
Please share with others...
You never know
It may help someone!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

A Milestone Not Celebrated...


No son to hold
No son to congratulate
No graduating pranks
No parties
No cake
No gifts

Today you should be walking with your class graduating from high school.

You did it Zach!  You graduated.
Instead of celebrating we mourn and cry for you.

If only you could have seen the bright future everyone else saw for you!

Zach, You're always in our thoughts and prayers.
You are loved and missed by so many.

*********************

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people aged 15-24.

Reach out for help.
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Be the help your friend or family member needs.

Make that call ~ That call may save a life!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Suicide Prevention Is Everyone's Responsibility

Please educate yourself and your children on suicide prevention!
Learn the warning signs!
Teach your kids that it's okay to tell if someone they know is talking about or showing signs that they may hurt themselves!
Don't learn the hard way!
When your family member or friend is gone...it's too late.

**************

I recently received an e-mail from a heartbroken friend of my son's who said,
"I thought he might hurt himself and I didn't call...now I don't know what to do."
It's too late for this person to make that call and now this person is living with enormous pain and guilt. 
Pain and guilt that could have been prevented!

Please don't let another day pass without speaking to your kids about what to do if they are faced with this situation.

Suicide doesn't discriminate! 
It happens in all age groups, races, cultures and religions.

Open your mind ~ You may be saving a life!

Friday, June 3, 2011

You Are Loved!


No matter what you face today, know that tomorrow is a new day and you
ARE LOVED!
Someone out there smiles when they think of you!

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, PLEASE reach out for help!

If you know someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, PLEASE reach out and help that friend or family member in need!

Make that call...That call may save a life!


Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

56 days ago I lost my son to suicide.
I cry so much the tears burn
My heart feels like it's been ripped out
My daughters cry out for their big brother
My husband cries out for his son
I want to scream from the mountain top
WHY? WHY? WHY?

CHOOSE LIFE ~ YOU ARE LOVED!

*Please note* We are NOT professional therapists or grief counselors! We are only here to provide articles and resources we have found to be helpful in dealing with our own grief. If you or someone you know is considering suicide - PLEASE seek PROFESSIONAL help IMMEDIATELY!
Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255!

It's Time To Educate Ourselves And Our Children

When it comes to talking about suicide and depression, there is no age too young to discuss this issue with a child. Bringing it up and addressing the issue IS the right way attack the problem. It is important, though, to know who you are talking to, and address it in a way that will be understood and beneficial to helping them.

Also, it is important to seek professional help right away if you suspect there is any potential for someone to hurt himself or herself.


The largest group of suicides and suicide attempts is teens as they go away to school and/or the military and there is plenty of information and support available.


The best information is available on line as research is constantly being done on this issue. Searches for Suicide in Teens http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html
Suicide in College http://www.suicide.org/college-student-suicide.html, and Suicide in the Military http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/suicide-and-the-military/ will all provide links to various research, information, and professionals that can help. There are also many groups that can help people who are in danger of attempting suicide (National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), people who have attempted suicide http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/suicide-attempt-survivors, as well as support for the families of people who have attempted and completed suicide (http://www.survivorsofsuicide.com/help_heal.shtml).


The most important thing to remember is that help is available and should be sought after the moment you suspect someone is in danger of hurting themselves.


If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).


Our thanks to our friend Alain for writing this article for us!