Hailey Nailor was a 16 year old girl from Danbury, CT. The story of her death has been flooding news stations, especially on social media. It has become a news story because of how she passed. Hailey died by suicide. She also posted on social media right before.

So, CT news stations are posting articles about it, titling them with titles that I think could be worded much differently. I’m also pretty bothered that people are still ‘shocked’ that someone could be struggling. It bothers me because I can’t estimate the number of times that educational settings have rejected or stuck their heads in the sand about discussing/teaching/speaking about the topic of … mental health.

Why does it take a death to start to rattle educators? I’m mostly referring to principals because I’ve heard many health teachers, social workers, school psychologists all say ‘my boss is impossible to convince to allow a speaker to discuss mental health’. Then I ask to meet their principal and ask, ‘why can’t we?’.. I always get some ridiculous answer and the worst one I’ve heard many times: “the parents won’t approve.”

There are more mindful ways that the media and society can describe and discuss suicide. Also, families have no privacy and I can’t imagine having my loved one’s death plastered all over the media. The attacks start rolling in, especially on social media, about how who should’ve done what. It’s heartbreaking.

What are your thoughts?

If you are going through something and want to talk about it, you can always text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or call the National Suicide LifeLine at 800-273-8255 24/7.

In CT, young people can call the Young Adult Warmline from 12-9pm every day to talk with another young person who is in recovery and trained to provide peer support.

Hey everyone-

I want to talk about something that has been super controversial in the Mental Health community: 13 Reasons Why- the Netflix version of the 2007 novelThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

I have not seen the first season yet, nor have I read the book, but I have heard many different opinions on the release of this Netflix series. I’m wondering what you guys think.

Have you seen it? Do you plan to watch the second season? How do you feel about the way mental illness is portrayed in the series?

I am curious to hear your opinions as I decide whether or not to watch the show.

Although it can be used for good, social media has had it’s run with sadness and negativity. Lately, I’ve heard a lot about people using social media and the option to go live, to broadcast their suicides. It is so unfortunate to hear this and I wish that they had just a bit more hope or an opportunity to hear that suicide is never the solution; help is always available. I’m not sure what made them go to social media to show everyone their last moments but I do hope and pray that those effected find peace and are speaking to professionals about what they witnessed. Suicide is never the answer.

From what I’ve seen and learned, individuals who attempt suicide show signs of wanting to harm themselves, especially on social media. I think that we, as a community, need to look out for one another more and pay attention to the things people say both in person and online. Take everything seriously! I really encourage all of you to think about specific steps that can be taken when and if you ever do encounter warning signs online. Some examples include:
· Reach out to their friend directly and ACT

· Use the suicide prevention features on common social media sites (like FB and Instagram) to reach out

· Seek help from their own parents or contact the friend’s parents

· Seek help from adults at school

· Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

No matter the cause or the situation, there is someone who cares. <3

We are a non profit working hard on our film series “Breaking Taboo” to break the taboo against Mental Health & Suicide Prevention. We are trying to reach as many people and get as much support as possible in our mission to Save as many lives as possible! Please like* our facebook: www.facebook.com/BreakingTaboo and support us if you can: www.breakingtaboofilm.com and indiegogo campaign: https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/breaking-taboo/x/12237851

Thank you!!!