Suicide has long been identified as a mental health concern, and associated with psychological factors and mental health disorders. Although there is varying information included in the articles from mental health workers, there is no expert medical analysis from a pediatric or psychiatric standpoint. There needs to be an in-depth analysis of the biological, psychological and social issues that surround this issue so that it can be more widely understood.
The three Boston Globe articles identify a specific issue related to youth suicide in Needham. However, the reader is left uneducated as to how the issue relates to other communities in Massachusetts, to Massachusetts in general and indeed to the United States of America. The recent suicides in Needham are not an isolated circumstance. Other questions that need to be raised include prevention, identification and treatment plans nationwide and worldwide. There needs to be an identification of a plan or method that is proving successful elsewhere, that communities such as Needham can look to for guidance and support. Of course, community initiatives, no matter how well intentioned, cannot survive without the funding, support and goodwill of the government. What financial and structural support are the Massachusetts and United States departments of health and education providing, and plan to provide in the future.
An example of an international intervention is the New Zealand Anti-suicide Yellow Ribbon Trust, which was established in 1998 by two parents whose children had committed suicide. Trained ambassadors within secondary schools wear a small badge on their shirts or blazers that enable them to be identified. They are able to give emotional support and advice about dealing with stress to schoolmates at any time of the day. “It’s ok to ask for help cards” can be presented at any time for assistance from an ambassador, or guidance counselor. The trust incorporated the “fight for life” as a fundraiser, in which well known celebrities took part in friendly sport competitions on national television to raise money and awareness for the campaign.
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