One suicide survivor’s message is inspiring leaders along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to be proactive when it comes to addressing mental health in schools.
Emma Benoit was recently introduced to the area by Paige Roberts of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce through a partnership with Singing River Health System. Benoit, an outspoken suicide prevention advocate and survivor, shared her story and spoke to community leaders at a health summit in Pascagoula following what appears to be an uptick in mental struggles among young people and even suicides committed by teenagers on the coast.
At 16 years old, Benoit attempted to end her life. For years, she quietly struggled with anxiety and depression and was too ashamed to share her pain with family or friends. Now, though wheelchair-bound, Benoit is encouraging teenagers facing dark thoughts to open up to somebody about the challenges they’re facing mentally and to embrace gratitude as a means of overcoming harmful thoughts.
“Naturally, we are human beings, so emotions are inevitable. When we’re facing challenges, emotions will arise, but it’s all about calming the emotions in that storm and always reminding yourself to be consistent in gratitude,” Benoit said. “Where there is gratitude, you really can fight through a lot of the struggles that you are facing.”
Roberts, in a recent episode of Good Things with Rebecca Turner, said that Benoit’s story has motivated an “all hands on deck” approach from coastal Mississippi leaders to implement suicide prevention strategies.
“We’re just thrilled that all of our stakeholders in Jackson County and even along the Gulf Coast are coming together around a topic that affects everyone everywhere,” Roberts said.
Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that the number of suicides in Mississippi reached a 20-year high in 2021 with 480 people taking their lives. A collaborative effort is now in place on the coast to work to prevent these deaths, especially among teenagers.
According to Roberts, Benoit’s message has been well received by both students and adults. The survivor’s story and words of encouragement have sparked a movement to form groups and task forces to give students a place where they feel welcomed and loved.
The next step toward achieving this goal is for schools in the area to partner with Hope Squad, a suicide-prevention organization dedicated to building emotionally stronger families and communities.
“It is simply amazing how the kids respond to her and how it does give an opportunity to open up on both the young person’s side and for the adults to better handle listening and being able to respond appropriately,” Roberts said. “Each school has been looking at creating task forces and different committees.”
By the end of 2024, Roberts projects that there will be a Hope Squad in each of the four school districts in Jackson County.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. You are not alone.
