Thread by @EthnicMediaSvc

This morning, @EthnicMediaSvc in collaboration with @NAMIFlorida will address the alarming rise of suicides in Florida. Watch live on Facebook: fb.me/e/3YlFsjNdE

"We must bring suicide out of the shadows," says @EthnicMediaSvc founder Sandy Close. #Mentalhealth #Miami #stigmafree #BetterTogether #NotAlone #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness

Susan Racher of @NAMIFlorida says community engagement and support are highly effective in preventing suicides. @nami is organizing a walk for suicide support in downtown Miami May 21

People of color are disproportionately affected by suicide. 1.2 million people attempted suicide last year. Most had untreated symptoms.

Susan Racher's son Matt suffered psychosis after his college friend committed suicide. "It was a journey that took us through through fear, shame and ultimately resilience."

It is important to leave stigma and shame at the door, says Susan Racher of @NAMIFlorida "Suicide is the leading cause of death for people ages 10-24."

40 percent of #LGBTQ youth have contemplated suicide. Black children are 12 times more likely to contemplate suicide, but they lack the resources to treat help. #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #SaveLives

Pastor Lisa LeSueur came home one night to find her partner holding a gun attempting to take her own life. Her partner was hospitalized. "I couldn't talk to anyone about the truth of what was going on in my life." #NAMIMiami

"I kept wondering if there was something I missed," says Pastor LeSueur. "Could I have got her more help?" @NAMIMiami

Young girls are particularly vulnerable to committing suicide, says Pastor Lisa LeSueur of @NAMIMiami

Daphney Michel speaks of the need for culturally-appropriate mental health providers and support groups. @NAMIMiami

Daphney Michel works with children and sees many young people engaging in self harm including cutting. #selfharm #SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness @NAMICommunicate

Rising suicide rates are analagous to rising homicide rates, says Daphney Michel of @NAMIMiami

Celia Morales of @NAMIMiami says early intervention can prevent suicide and self-harm. "I feel like I missed a critical point," she says, speaking of her own daughter whose mental health condition was untreated for several years.

"It is an experience of grief and loss," says Celia Morales of @NAMIMiami #youthdepression #childsuicide "I felt very isolated," she says.

"My children are not broken," says Celia Morales, of her family who suffer from mental health conditions. #stigmafree #BetterTogether #NotAlone

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