Pocono News Section

Suicide Prevention Program in Local Schools

Suicide Prevention Program in Local Schools - Monday, May 24, 2010 at 04:08AM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Monday May 24 2010
0/ 5 rating

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Some school districts in our area aren't talking about the "taboo topic" of suicide, but a school administrator, parents, and doctors say, it's necessary. And at least one program is doing something about it.

"Music with a Message" shares signs of suicide with students, staff, and teachers. Joe DeLucca created the program after one of his student-athletes at Mid Valley committed suicide.

"It was one of the worst phone calls I've ever received in my entire lifetime," said DeLucca to a crowd of students at Old Forge High School. He talks about the red flags that someone is at risk: depression, change in behavior, a significant loss, a change in eating and sleeping patterns.

Pediatric Psychologist Nicole Quinlan says talking directly about suicide is the main way to help.

"They're worried they're going to cause a problem, that they're going to put thoughts in someone's head," said Dr. Quinlan. "That's not the case."

"There' s actually litigation out there today against schools that aren't proactive and preventative with programs, such as this," added DeLucca.

" How do I remember him? Always smiling, joking around," said Laurie Munley, talking about her 17-year-old son, Robert Cleary, who killed himself eight years ago.

She didn't know until it was too late that Robert talked to his friends at Bishop O'Hara about committing suicide. She hopes "Music with a Message" helps students realize it's okay to get help for their friends.
"It's the worst feeling in the world," Karen Robbins said to the crowd of students. Her son, Brandyn, committed suicide two years ago, when he was 17. She's now part of the program, but wishes it was around when her son was.

"Knowing how many kids come forward after we do it, I believe it was before hand, maybe there could have been a chance for him," said Karen.

Students who work with DeLucca sing as part of the program, and all three at last week's presentation knew Brandyn.

"He was one of the popular kids that everyone looked up to," said Dylan Fry, now a senior at Wyoming Valley West. "So, when this happened, it was a pretty mind-opening experience."

DeLucca has spent five years creating his program and taking it into any local school that will let him. He teaches teens -- suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
"I hate to be reactive," said DeLucca. "I don't want to do something after something terrible happens. I'd rather do it beforehand. If we could prevent it, then that's what we need to do."

"A lot of teens think about it, they don't follow through," added Dr. Quinlan.
"But if you don't talk about it with them, how would you know?"

She encourages people to be open and direct when talking about suicide. She says a sometimes ignored sign is that someone becomes extremely happy after a period of depression. This doesn't necessarily mean the person is okay, but rather, that they've come to terms with their decision to commit suicide, and they're happy. Other signs including giving away valuables.

Dr. Quinlan says while some teens show signs of suicide, about half don't.

"About 50 percent of teens who committed suicide were later described as impulsive, and the decision to commit suicide was likely impulsive," said Dr. Quinlan. She says many kids think about suicide, but don't follow through. That's why, she says, it's important for parents to have the conversation with their teens, even if no risk factors are present.

Federal grant money is now reaching area hospitals, where doctors are able to screen young patients for signs of suicide. A few simple questions, that parents likely haven't yet asked, could shed some light on what a teenager is really thinking, and give doctors the opportunity to help.

If you're interested in getting "Music with a Message" into your school, you can contact Joe DeLucca. Before June 30, 2010, he can be reached at jdelucca@wvwsd. org or 287-2131. After July 1, 2010, his contact information changes to [email protected] and 287-9681 ext 112. Only serious inquiries, please.

There are many help lines and groups available to provide free help for people considering committing suicide. You can call the Advocacy Alliance in Scranton at 342-7762 or toll-free at 1-877-315-6855.

There are many toll-free hotlines to call, including 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433), 1-800-273-TALK (273-8255). There's also a line for the deaf and hearing impaired - 1-800-799-4TTY (4889). Dr. Quinlan and Joe DeLucca encourage people to talk to friends, family, church leaders, and doctors - anyone who can lead you in the right direction.