Teen Suicide Rate Has Grown By 70% - Non-Profit Seeks To Help

Dr. Lena Pearlman (therapist) and her husband Dr. Bryan Pearlman (educator) decided that something had to be done and quickly. There has been a massive increase in the number of children and teens that are suffering with depression, contemplating suicide, and those that have taken their own life.

The couple, along with friends and colleagues from the medical, mental health, and education fields, founded Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness (DSMHW). The organization collaborates with and trains school staff to be better equipped to help and support students that are struggling with mental health concerns.

Dr. Lena Pearlman believes that teen mental health and suicide is a critical concern for our country, “Data shows that the teen suicide rate has grown by 70% over the past 10 years. This combined with the number of students struggling with anxiety and depression, represents a major national health crisis. Schools can play a very large role in identifying challenges and providing support for students who are struggling and at-risk. School staff need intensive training, help, and support. DSMHW aims to partner with schools to ensure that students are safe, supported, and successful in school and in life.”

Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness has created a 12-month process that includes: a school specific needs assessment, intensive training for staff, involvement of families and the community, collaboration, multiple site visits, and progress monitoring. This process ensures that schools meet the highest standards required to support students with mental health concerns. Schools that successfully complete the program will be certified and nationally recognized as a Distinguished School of Mental Health & Wellness. The organization selected four schools to participate beginning this Winter - Los Angeles, Anchorage, Memphis, Wilmington (Delaware) and have opened the application process for schools interested in starting this Spring. The application deadline is January 15, 2019.

Dr. Bryan Pearlman is optimistic about the future, “We believe that our efforts will help school staff and in turn positively impact tens of thousands of students across the country. If we can help students get the care that they need, we can improve the quality of their life and also save many lives.”

For more information about DSMHW, please visit www.DSMHW.org or contact by email: info@dsmhw.org or phone: 314-455-4347.