Milford parish to sponsor program about teen depression, suicide prevention

Jan. 18, 2007

MILFORD - St. Joseph Parish in Milford is sponsoring a program titled "An Evening About Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention" at 7 p.m. on Jan. 24.

It is geared toward teens in grades 7-12 and is open to all people and church groups/youth groups of all faiths.

According to Karen Schwaller, DRE at St. Joseph's, this presentation will tell about the symptoms of depression and how to recognize them.

"Students will be guided on what to do if one of their friends confides in them that he/she has suicidal thoughts; what to do if you yourself feel like you might be depressed, and what parents can do if they know of a teenager who may be thinking about suicide," she said.

Two women from "Yellow Ribbon International," a Colorado-based organization with a satellite office in Mankato, Minn., will be speaking. That organization was started by a woman whose son had committed suicide, hoping to keep other families and communities from enduring the pain and suffering that her family experienced at the time.

Both of the presenters at the upcoming gathering have worked for Yellow Ribbon International, on the public speaking end (speaking the truth about depression) and with suicide prevention (a suicide hotline). They have counseled people of all ages with depression and suicidal tendencies. One of the young women who will be at the presentation had issues with that herself, and she will talk to the kids here about her experience with that, and how she found hope.

"They will also have some statistics about depression and suicide that will totally amaze those there," noted Schwaller.

This event is being sponsored by St. Joseph Church.

"We know that this has been an issue in Northwest Iowa for some time now. People who work regularly with high school students (especially) tell us that they deal with this almost every day. By opening this up to junior high students as well, we hope to let them know that the teen years really are difficult years, and that they always have a place to turn when the pressures of life begin to force their way in," said Schwaller.

With all of the forms of communication available in today's world, the Milford DRE finds it interesting that many of teenagers have never felt lonelier than they do today.

"They need to know that there are people they can turn to when times are tough - and these people will emphasize that," she said.

Schwaller said since it is know that this is an issue with teens even in places you wouldn't expect, they realize teens sometimes face pressures and are unable to channel the emotions that come with them.

"Teens face more pressures today in a very sophisticated world, and if they are unable to meet those challenges and demands, they often fall back on themselves, feeling worthless," she said. "'Keeping up with the Joneses' is a very difficult thing to do, yet so many teens feel like they have to do that in order to be accepted in their world. This topic is one what relates directly to the fact that God created each of us, and loves us - and would never want us to harm ourselves."

She pointed out that The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that God gives people life, and it is God who is the "sovereign Master of life...."

"If you can't talk about life in the church, then where can you talk about it?" asked Schwaller.

All interested groups or individuals are encouraged to attend.

"Oftentimes a community is stunned to realize that one of its own has ended his/her life - but we also know that if we had recognized the signs of depression, there is a chance that that life may not have ended," she said. "With this presentation, we hope to make teens and adults more alert and more aware of the warning signs of depression and suicide, so that no family and no community needs to go through something like that. With this information, we can arm ourselves as teens and adults, with knowledge of what to do - and knowing what to do can make all the difference. It can save a life...a life that God created. A life that God had a plan for."

Groups that plan to attend are asked to call or email to ensure adequate room for everyone. RSVPs can be done by calling Schwaller at (712) 338-2274, or e-mail her at kschwaller@milfordcable.net

A freewill offering will be taken up after the evening is finished to help defray costs of the speakers. Refreshments will be served in the parish center after the speakers have finished.