Videos - True Stories of Hope and Help

Suicide is the 3rd leading killer of young people overall and the 2nd leading killer of college age youth.  But suicide is preventable.  These true stories are from five high school or college age youth who have either reached out for help themselves when they were severely depressed and having suicidal thoughts, or from teens who have reached out to help a friend who was thinking of suicide. 

 

Ribbons of Hope:
Maggie’s True Story of Help & Hope for Teen Suicide Prevention
Maggie makes a decision to get out of her life-long “comfort zone of depression” after having thoughts of suicide.  She goes to a treatment center that helps her learn how to change, live differently, and reach out to people for help.  A “white ribbon assignment” from her therapist helps her find peace and hope. View Video

 

ASK the Question:
Kurt's True Story of Help & Hope for College Suicide Prevention
At a college party, Kurt and his friends become concerned that another friend is at risk for killing himself ... but they are not sure.  So they ask the question-“have you thought about suicide?” Kurt decides that it is important to wake up a social worker and risk the possibility of offending a friend by intervening and referring him to help. View Video

 

Always Tell Someone:
Krista’s True Story of Help & Hope for Teen Suicide Prevention
Krista got a late night call from a friend when she was in middle school. The friend’s talk of disappearing and thinking that people would be better off without her made Krista think her friend might kill herself. She talked to her mother and to the school counselor. Her friend got help, and Krista realizes, “always tell someone -- it never, ever hurts to tell an adult!” View VIdeo

 

Good Friends Are Essential:
Zach’s True Story of Help & Hope for College Suicide Prevention
As a college student, Zach was buying a ring for a girlfriend when she broke up with him.  This loss, heavy drinking and isolation put him into a depression downward spiral. His thoughts of suicide and depression finally got better when he stopped drinking, got physically active and realized that good friends are essential. View Video

 

You Can Never Count The Stars:
Shania & Sydney’s True Story of Help & Hope for Teen Suicide Prevention
Shania becomes depressed and has thoughts of suicide after being bullied and going off her medication.  She gets help from her sister, Sydney, her mother, counseling and love and help from her family.  Her true story emphasizes that help is available, and help works for depression and suicide prevention. View Video

 

You can help prevent suicide in your community by knowing how to ask about suicide and knowing where to get help.  Download our free suicide prevention app today -- search under “suicide prevention” in app store to get the “Ask About Suicide to Save a Life” app with warning signs, how to ask and hotlines.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255

 

The videos were developed under contract number 2010-034469 from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to Mental Health America of Texas (MHAT).  The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Texas Department of State Health Services or Mental Health America of Texas, nor do pictures or mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by TDSHS or MHAT.