You have the power to help address the serious and increasing mental health challenges affecting teens today. Shine a Light is your opportunity to help get depression out of the dark and to recognize, honor, and celebrate the people and events that are important to you. Through the Shine A Light campaign, you can create […]
The sirens are blaring and the lights are flashing – are schools paying attention? Article after article is warning us of a dangerous trend: adolescent anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation is rising: Starting in April 2020, emergency room visits for mental health concerns are up 31% for 12-17 year olds (1). 56% of teens report […]
I am the parent of a suicide survivor. Even typing these words brings on a whirlwind of emotions. I remember the day my son attempted to take his life and the shock and sadness I felt that somehow I had completely failed him. How did I not see that he was hurting so badly, that […]
Growing up I never understood why I felt different. Now, as a teacher at a high school, I see students like me every day. While in high school, I was a three sport athlete, involved in multiple clubs, and even made prom court. I had a large group of close knit friends that I had […]
“Out of darkness, a beacon.” When Ginny Neuckranz and husband Tom lost their teenage daughter, Erika, to suicide, they made it their mission to turn her suffering and their grief into hope for other families. It was in her name and spirit they founded Erika’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit based in Winnetka targeted at mental health […]