OLATHE, Kan. -- A filmmaker hopes to break the silence surrounding suicide with a new documentary. Director and producer Lisa Klein will screen the film “The S Word” for free tonight in Olathe.
A panel discussion with Klein, police and mental health professionals will follow the showing. It takes place at Olathe West High School. The film begins at 6 p.m., with the forum taking place at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The documentary follows a person who survived a suicide attempt as she looks for others with similar experiences. Dese'Rae Stage discovered many survivors were silent about their struggles. She uses her camera to help these survivors go public with their stories to raise awareness about the topic.
The filmmakers said more than a million Americans attempt suicide every year. More than 40,000 succeed. In the Kansas City metro area, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24.
Last week, police reported to Lee’s Summit North High School after a 17-year-old shot herself on campus. She later died at the hospital. Friends told 41 Action News the girl suffered from depression.
A variety of suicide prevention resources are available to teenagers and families:
- Rediscover Mental Health Center’s program for youth: 816-347-3052
- Johnson County’s mental health crisis hotline: 913-268-0156
- The National Suicide Prevention lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Access Crisis Intervention Hotlines in Missouri
- Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Additional resources from Missouri Department of Mental Health
- Additional resources from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Thursday's film screening: Olathe West High School, 2200 W. Santa Fe Street
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