NELA Children's Coalition organizes “Women Take Flight: Signs of Suicide”

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Representatives from the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana came to the University of Louisiana Monroe on Oct. 30 for a training called “Women Take Flight: Signs of Suicide.”

“I touch many students in many different ways, so I want to make sure I have the resources I need to make sure their mental health is a priority for them,” said Dr. Leigh Hersey, associate professor at ULM. .

Dr. Hersey said she came to the training to learn how to support her students.

“I hope to be able to communicate better with our students, recognize the warning signs and ensure that I can be accessible and communicate with them,” said Dr. Hersey.

During the training, teachers and staff were able to learn how to recognize signs of suicide and depression and how to address this if someone is struggling.

Dr. Hersey recalled one of the statements she made during training that stood out to her the most.

“One of the instructors said we should talk to students about how, if we were in their shoes, we would want help,” said Dr. Hersey.

Jan Daniels is the youth development coordinator for the Children’s Coalition, which also directs the Signs of Suicide program.

The team travels throughout the region to train middle and high school students on the warning signs of suicide and what to look for.

Daniels said why it is important to advocate for student mental health.

“Maybe they are away from home for the first time. They may be lonely. They may be feeling stressed about upcoming midterms or finals, and we want to make sure they know what to do and how to get the help they need,” Daniels said.

Dr. Hersey explained how she plans to open the line of communication with her students in the future.

“Make sure we have time in my office to put these issues aside and have these conversations,” said Dr. Hersey.

If you know someone who is struggling, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or text ‘talk’ to 741-741.

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