I wanted to close the year with a simple message but instead I must say that life is a mixed blessing, isn't it? The elements of life most important to each of us can be sources of both joy and worry. This was never more true than during the funeral I attended this morning.
The service in Wellesley was as it needed to be, sparking a mix of memories and the hope that faith provides. The emotions at the gathering were magnified by the knowledge of family and friends that their love could not overcome the despair experienced by the young woman lost to suicide.
At the service I lifted a prayer for my friend and his family. I also committed to act; I hope you choose to act as well. Following the funeral, I picked up the papers at the Town Hall necessary to run as a candidate for the local Board of Health. I am doing this because I would like to help my town respond to the national call of 2011 for all communities to reduce depression by 10% by 2018. That is how to reduce the number of young people from Wellesley who die by suicide.
I wish you all the joys and comfort that Christmas week can bring, and may they continue throughout the New Year.
-Bob Anthony
DID YOU KNOW...
the Surgeon General suggested how to prevent depression by 10%?
The call for all towns to prioritize prevention was made in 2011, when the national incidence rate for children age 11-17 was 8.3%. Ask your town's mental health consultants how much they have reduced the incidence of depression or if they only do treatment.
FEATURED GUEST
Ramnath Subba Siddi
The photo in the header of the newsletter shows the Interact teens of Wellesley with a visitor from India whom is replicating their
Peer Leadership and Depression Prevention project. The project starts with training for the teens to co-facilitate the
Break Free From Depression curriculum supplement. They then seek invitations from educators and community youth group leaders to deliver the content in 2-4 sessions. Participating schools and youth groups enjoy outcomes of significantly improved Knowledge and Confidence in Help-seeking; they also gain improvements in Attitude.
The Wellesley Interact teens also invite teens co-facilitating the project in other areas to connect to share ideas and experiences. To date, teens in Brookline high school and Bay Path Tech have expressed interest in promoting mental health and wellness. The project can reach any community; simply contact AWI i
f you are interested in learning more. In the meantime, Ramnath will be introducing the resources to students in Karnataka, India.
Your gifts to AWI are greatly appreciated. AWI leverages every dollar effectively, providing curricula and facilitation training to teen leaders. The web link goes to credit card processing; checks may be made payable to Adolescent Wellness, Inc. and mailed to 103 Old Colony Road, Wellesley, MA 02481.
AWI is a 501c3 non-profit and gifts are tax deductible.
You can also select Adolescent Wellness, Inc. to support through purchases at smile.amazon.com.
AWI Volunteers
The people who make it happen!
Bob Anthony - President
Chip Douglas - Director
Phyllis Gimbel - Director
Calvin Place - Director
Lisa Siegel - Director
Penny Wells - Director
Frank Hays - Marketing
Cindy Hurley - Wellesley HS counselor
Hannah Lee - Youth Advisory
Lindsay Canaday - Youth Advisory
Roberta Boylen - Spring Awakening
Nancy Place - Spring Awakening
Nelda Siemion - Development
Bob Anthony | Adolescent Wellness, Inc. | 781.727.8617 | BobAnthony@AdolescentWellness.org | www.AdolescentWellness.org
