A student at Grace Brethren High School, Simi Valley, Calif., is quoted in a recent story in the Simi Valley Acorn about teen suicide. Adrian Schemm admits to having had suicidal thoughts and as a result is looking to help other young people overcome similar feelings. Below is a portion of the story. Click here for the complete article. (Grace Brethren High School is a ministry of the Grace Brethren Church in Simi Valley, Jordan Bakker, pastor.)
Teens stand up against suicide
Adrian Schemm is all too familiar with the suicidal thoughts many young people deal with.
The Grace Brethren High School senior said he was bullied as a child. As a consequence, he thought about killing himself.
“I tried to overcome the suicidal thoughts on my own, but in the end what really helped me was a kid that I went to school with. He told the bullies to back off and said if anything happened again to let him know and he would deal with it,” the 17-year-old said. “It was honestly a blessing and it helped me get back on my feet and to realize that people do care about me.”
That message of not being alone is what Adrian and fellow members of the Simi Valley Youth Council are hoping to spread at a suicide-prevention workshop Sept. 29 at the Simi Valley Public Library.
The youth council, a group of kids between the ages of 12 and 17 that advises the City Council on issues affecting young people in the community, will present the workshop in conjunction with the library and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District for National Suicide Prevention Month.
“My hope is that it encourages teens to spread the word that they aren’t alone and there are people to talk to,” Adrian said. “I know it feels like you’re stuck in a corner, but you have more of an open space than you think. Don’t be afraid to reach out.”
Click here for the complete article.