Episode 3 - Season 3 - September 1st 2022 - A Letter from a father and suicide loss survivor
Say Hello Save a Life - A Podcast About Teenage Mental Health, Depression And SuicideShow Notes
In today's episode, I will read a letter written following the loss of our son JJ to suicide.
A letter from a father and suicide survivor
JJ was my first child. He wasn’t your typical 12 year old. He was smart, energetic, goofy. A straight-A student who was heavily involved in school activities being in school leadership, involved in school dances and assemblies. He was an avid soccer and video game player. JJ had a large circle of friends and was the one that everyone came to with a problem because not only would he fix it but he wouldn’t let you leave the room until you smiled. From the outside looking in, JJ was happy.
On February 13th, 2016 everything we knew about JJ changed. My son JJ, my only son, my junior became another statistic of youth suicide. After his passing, once the funeral was done and family and friends had gone back to their routines I sat down at the computer to try and understand how we missed the signs and how bad this epidemic of youth suicide was. I was astonished to find out not only that suicide is the second leading cause of death ages 10-24, but that suicide takes the lives of more of our youth than every natural cause of death combined.
With the right education and the continual awareness of our teachers, parents, our children and their peer’s suicide can be prevented. JJ’s Hello Foundations mission is to prevent youth suicide, promote youth mental health awareness, and create a message of hope for pre-teens, teens, and young adults in our community. JJ's Hello Foundation and his family hope that such activities and training will raise awareness about suicide, erase the stigmas associated with suicide discussion so that teens and young adults who are in crisis will not turn to suicide as the only answer, and that friends, families, teachers and the community at large will recognize the signs and get them help before it’s too late.
I will never hear my son’s voice again or pick him up when he falls but I have made it my mission to stand by your side and make sure together no other father loses their son or daughter to suicide. Together we can save young lives who knows maybe even yours, your friends, your neighbors, or a complete stranger’s child from making my son’s tragic choice.
Please consider a donation to JJ’s Hello Foundation. And always remember to the world you may be one person, but to one person you are the world.
Please like our page and share to help us spread the message of prevention.
Learn more http://www.hellofund.org/donations
Josh Anderson
President
JJ’s Hello Foundation
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This episode was created with the loving help of our Vice President and JJs mom Michelle Anderson. Thank you.
Welcometo the Say Hello Save a Life Podcast, where we talk about mentalhealth, well-being, and how we can help each other navigate the ups and downsof life as teens. I’m your host Josh Anderson Sr, and today, we’re discussing areally important topic—how teens can help each other with mental healthstruggles and prevent suicide. It’s a tough subject, but it’s also a vital one.We’ll go over signs to look out for, how to support a friend who’s struggling,and some simple steps we can all take to make sure no one has to face theirchallenges alone.
I wish my teacher knew Every Student Has a Story. Every Teacher Can Make a Difference. Imagine if one simple note card could change a child's life.Too many students walk into the classroom carrying burdens no one can see—anxiety, bullying, family struggles, loneliness, grief, or thoughts they don't know how to express.That's why JJ's Hello Foundation created the "I Wish My Teacher Knew" program.This initiative gives students a safe, private way to share what they're experiencing with a trusted teacher, opening the door for meaningful conversations, early intervention, and hope. Sometimes the words "I wish my teacher knew..." are the first step toward getting the help a child needs.Your donation helps us provide: "I Wish My Teacher Knew" classroom kits Student note cards Classroom collection boxes Program implementation for schools Teacher resources and support More opportunities for students to feel seen, heard, and valuedEvery dollar helps us bring this life-changing program to more classrooms and more communities.Together, we can ensure that no child feels like they're facing life's challenges alone. Please consider making a donation today and help us expand the "I Wish My Teacher Knew" program into the communities we serve. Donate today: www.hellofund.org/donations Learn more: www.hellofund.orgBecause sometimes, all it takes is one teacher... and one chance to say, "I wish my teacher knew."
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