By Jamee Larson

Sufferers of physical ailments are usually met with sincere concern and empathy. Support is given without a second thought; meals are cooked, prayers are offered, and resolute compassion is shared. A person suffering from a mental illness, however, is often met with less sensitivity and understanding. Diseases of the mind are still stigmatized in our society, whereas diseases of the body are not. As a result, many who struggle with a mental illness choose to suffer in silence, a decision that often turns out to be life-threatening. In the time it took for you to read this paragraph, someone in the United States attempted suicide.

According to the North Dakota Suicide Prevention Program, 15 million people in the United States suffer from depression. That is more than coronary heart disease (7 million), cancer (6 million), and AIDS (200,000) combined. Depression and substance abuse are two of the top disorders of people who die by suicide. Unfortunately, openly discussing depression and other mental illnesses is still largely taboo. As a result, those who suffer often keep their diseases a secret, afraid of being judged or looked down upon. For many, suffering alone in the darkness of mental illness proves to be too much. 36,000 Americans die by suicide each year. It is the country’s 11th leading cause of death.

People who suffer from mental illnesses are often very adept at hiding their pain. It isn’t uncommon for sufferers to lead seemingly happy and productive lives, hiding behind carefully constructed masks. The outside world believes the façade, not realizing the depth and severity of the pain once the masks are off. For Cameron Goetz, that pain eventually became unbearable.

Cameron died by suicide in 2002, the day before his twentieth birthday. Those who knew Cam saw a handsome, intelligent, and athletic young man. “He knew everybody,” his sister Stephanie Goetz explains. “He was the most popular kid.” Few people knew, however, that he was also silently battling depression. “He was fighting an internal battle inside,” Stephanie said, “one that unfortunately cost him his life.”

As a result of her experiences, Stephanie has formed the Stephanie Goetz Foundation, whose mission is to get children the mental health care they need. “The reason I am starting this foundation is to honor and remember Cam,” Stephanie explained, “and to make sure there are no other Cams out there that get this dark and this deep that they want to take their life.” Specifically, the foundation aims to remove barriers for care, through identifying children who need mental health services, providing transportation when necessary, and offsetting the cost of therapy and medications for those who may otherwise be unable to receive it.

Studies have shown that the sooner a struggling child receives help, the more likely they are to go on to live healthy and happy lives. Mental health awareness and education, especially at a young age, is vital in reversing the stigma that often prevents people from reaching out. The Stephanie Goetz Foundation has launched a community action project, Imagine Thriving, to create a movement towards this level of understanding. The goal of the project is to empower students and families to not only seek out mental health care when needed, but also encourage families to create an environment where their children can thrive. Imagine Thriving provides free and easily accessible mental health education and resources to students, parents and educators. “Early intervention can change the trajectory of a person's life, giving them the tools they need to become healthy and productive adults,” explained Abby Tow, Executive Director of the Stephanie Goetz Foundation.

The Stephanie Goetz Foundation has also partnered with three area school districts to begin the process of implementing Student Support Strategists in the schools. These Strategists (Licensed Clinical Social Workers or those with a similar background) will provide needed access to care and support students and their families with the initial care process. The partnership has also created student boards composed of young people who have united to help educate peers, families, and communities about mental health. “We hope to be able to become a model program from other districts as well,” Tow said.

There are effective treatments available for those who suffer from a mental illness, but those services are often underutilized. Dealing with misconceptions and social stigma is often the largest barrier. “If a child (or any aged person) had leukemia, no one would suggest they wait to get treatment and see how it goes, or pull themselves up by the "boot straps,” said Tow. “Mental illness is no different than diabetes. It's not about a person being lazy, sad, or bad.”

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, treatment is usually a given. Although frightening, it isn’t difficult to ask for help; there is no stigma attached. Cancer survivors are considered heroic, and rightly so. Equally heroic, however, are those living with depression. It is a battle that takes place in the mind rather than the body, but the opponent is every bit as formidable.

The Stephanie Goetz Foundation relies on the support and generosity of others. “Donations are needed for us to be able to fund Student Support Strategists to schools across our community,” Tow explained. “The impact is literally life changing.” The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has labeled mental illness is a “public health problem.” As such, it needs a public response. Together, we can make a difference.

More information about the Stephanie Goetz Foundation, including how you can help, can be found at www.stephaniegoetzfoundation.org. More information on the North Dakota Suicide Prevention Programs can be obtained at www.ndhealth.gov/suicideprevention.

Suicide can be prevented and mental illness treated. There is a solution, but those in the depths of their disease often don’t know how to ask for help. Below are some warning signs to be aware of. Reach out to those in need; assist them in receiving help.

Note: the risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

· Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.

· Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun

· Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

· Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.

· Talking about being a burden to others.

· Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.

· Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.

· Sleeping too little or too much.

· Withdrawing or isolating themselves.

· Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

· Displaying extreme mood swings.

Stephanie Goetz Foundation
Empowering Mental Wellness