ORLANDO, Fla. — The apparent suicides of three high school students in Seminole County this week have parents and teachers asking why it happened and what could have been done to prevent it.
The school district is offering mental health resources to Seminole County students in the wake of the students’ deaths, and officials are working to make sure they all know that support is available around the clock for anyone who might be thinking about harming themselves.
Two Orlando agencies are working to make sure mental health services are available in Central Florida.
Mental health counselors at the Connections Referral Program are ready to answer the line when someone calls with concerns about their mental health.
Dr. Marni Stahlman, the president and CEO of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida — which operates the call center — says the deaths of the Seminole County students this week are calling attention to a big problem.
“Our children aren’t literally dying,” she said. “They’re actually dying from anxiety and depression that can be treated, that we have resources for.”
Stahlman said her agency helps people looking for information for themselves and loved ones, and they will help during a crisis.
“If it’s something emergent, we’re going to have a connection with law enforcement right away if it’s needed, or emergency services if it’s needed,” Stahlman said.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that roughly 49,000 people in America died by suicide in 2023.
Data shows that suicide rates fell by 5% between 2018 and 2020 but returned to peak levels of 14 suicides per 100,000 people in 2022.
The Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando has received more than 15,000 phone calls, texts and chat requests this year to its 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.
Israel Navarro, the director of quality assurance and training for 211 and crisis services at Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando, said every call is answered by a trained counselor.
“What you can expect to be helped with is meet with a trained professional, a real human, to help start that connection with you,” Navarro said. “To help you get you through that experience. Provide you with that immediate, compassionate support you may need, help guide you. Assess what are some next steps that we can explore together.”
Stahlman said that statistically in half of the cases where someone tries to take their own life, there’s been a warning sign to watch for.
“There’s been an incident or crisis leading up to that within the 30 days prior, so there are warning signs,” Stahlman said.
She said that these are signs that can be opportunities to help our loved ones. Stahlman said her agency can also help people who do not have health insurance find mental health services.