In another devastating blow to the community, a sixth student from The Perry School District in Perry Township, Ohio has committed suicide. Officials have rightly called this a community problem.
Since August 2017, five students and one recent high school graduate have committed suicide, something they are now calling a suicide contagion, .”..the exposure to suicide or suicidal behaviors within one’s family, one’s peer group, or through media reports of suicide and can result in an increase in suicide and suicidal behaviors.”1
Last Friday the district released the following statement:
“The Perry Local School District is beyond heartbroken to report that another student has taken their own life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the student’s family during this difficult time. Our students and adults in the community are facing many difficult situations, including depression, alcohol/drug use, family and peer relationship issues, financial struggles and many more. We have many resources and support available that can be found on our website under ‘Preventative and Support Initiatives.”2
To help students and the community at large cope with what’s going on, counselors have been made available for the student body, local schools in Perry have implemented support programs, and the district has hosted three community meetings and group meetings with students.
Our hearts go out to all the families dealing with this terribly sad situation.
