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PARENT RESOURCE-STOP TEEN SUICIDE

The first time I ever recall thinking about hurting myself was at the age of 12.  I don’t remember why, but I remember feeling like the world was caving in on me.  This feeling has visited me time and time again… even into my adult years.  The feeling left me when I found the love of the Creator and hasn’t returned since.

Last summer, one of my best friends from childhood, committed suicide.  I was left feeling like I failed him as a friend.  Why didn’t I know things were this bad?  Why didn’t I recognize the symptoms?  These were the thoughts running through my head.

What I have learned is this; suicide is often the result of someone suffering from some level of mental illness.  Mental illness comes in all shapes and sizes.  Mental illness is not always diagnosed or easy to recognize.  And the truth is, young people are not likely to express to you, the parent, teacher, coach, mentor, etc. that they are depressed.  So here are some things to look for that may help you identify if a young person is depressed.  Being able to identify this behavior can prevent future harm of a young person.

Symptoms of teen depression:

(Present for more than two weeks and affects daily functioning)

  • Persistent sad, irritable mood
  • Sense of hopelessness
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, activities
  • Lack of energy and enthusiasm
  • Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns
  • Risky behaviors
  • Suicidal thoughts

If you see these signs or symptoms, it is important to talk with your child or student about what you are observing. It may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary.  Then be sure to get them help!  There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my friend.  He may have been feeling depressed since childhood, just like me!  However, he never addressed those feelings and now he is no longer here. Let’s help prevent a young person from ever getting to the point of taking their own life!

Never Give Up!

July 22, 2020

I’m praying for every man who is tired of not being able to say he is tired. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #CryLikeAMan Never

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Deal With Your Anxiety

July 21, 2020

“Stay focused on the problem and not the distractions!” — Jason Wilson

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Free Lunch & PPE

July 20, 2020

Make sure to take a break and come pick up FREE LUNCH & PPE on us today! Remember first come, first serve as supplies are limited. #lovingyouthunitingfamilies #welovedetroityouth — at The Yunion.

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The Youth Tap Into Their Full Creative Potential

July 17, 2020

#Keys2Life camp kicked off today! We’re so excited for the youth to tap into their creative abilities through song, beat making, dance, acting, and strings over the next couple of weeks.

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Saving Chastity

July 16, 2020

Register today for FREE – Saving Chastity is a unique program that allows youth to grasp this lesson through exploration. An interactive curriculum inclusive of a film explores teen life and the outcomes that come from the decisions and choices we make. Six weeks in duration, students will follow a video series of five teenagers as they navigate life. Additionally, there will be guided evidenced-based activities and conversations, to help facilitate best practices and emphasize “how to plan” to make successful decisions.
https://theyunion.org/academy-virtual/

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F.I.R.E. Entrepreneurship

July 15, 2020

Social Media is the future. Whether we admit it or not, it has influential roots in our conversations, what we consume, and the lives that we lead. Our children are engaging via social media at a pace that we have never seen before and as time progresses we find the connections seem to only grow with intensity. F.I.R.E. (Future Influencers Reaching for Excellence) is our social media influencer entrepreneurship program. Together with our youth, we show how social media footprints can be used for both the good of others and in entrepreneurial endeavors. Students enrolled in this program will learn monetizing strategies that will result in dividends in both social and economic currencies.
Register today for FREE
https://theyunion.org/academy-virtual/

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SAT/ACT Prep Sessions

July 14, 2020

The SAT/ACT is one of the single most influential elements in the college application process. Prepare the high school student in your life for the road to college application season by registering them for our SAT/ACT Prep Sessions. Our courses are online group sessions led by certified teachers. Students will learn test-taking strategies while also divulging in practice tests modeled after both standardized tests. Register today for FREE! https://theyunion.org/academy-virtual/

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Scared Straight

July 13, 2020

When I first started The Cave of Adullam there were many “Scared Straight” programs in Michigan, I even participated in a couple. However, I quickly discovered that inflicting trauma will never help a boy release it but instead teach him to suppress it. Nowadays you’ll be…

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Art Expression

July 10, 2020

Register today for our FREE Art Expression Virtual Academy. Art has been proven as a valuable outlet of expression for children. In instances where children are given the opportunity to express themselves through artistic mediums, positive gains have been shown in their social, emotional, and…

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W.R.A.P University

July 9, 2020

A unique program that infuses hip hop elements in the instruction of Writing, Reading, and Arithmetic to ensure the enrichment and proficiency of students in core subjects.

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Drone Apprenticeship Program

July 7, 2020

Register for FREE for our STEM-based learning into an interactive space with our Drone Apprenticeship Program. This unique program will introduce students to drones and other sophisticated technologies via a virtual platform. Allowing students the opportunity to learn Drone Operation and Use, applicable laws and…

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Healthy and Free Lunch to Fuel Your Summer

July 6, 2020

Pull up next Monday and grab FREE lunch and PPE! Be sure to save the dates for the following Monday’s as supplies are limited and first come first serve.

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Virtual Enrichment Academy Program

July 4, 2020

The Yunion understands this evolving climate and is committed to pivoting into avenues that always have a strong focus in counteracting negative cultural influences that misdirect the lives of youth.

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Free Virtual Enrichment Program

July 3, 2020

An interactive curriculum inclusive of a film explores teen life and the outcomes that come from the decisions and choices we make.

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The Power of Music

July 1, 2020

Bertrina understands the power that Music has in reaching children.

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Free Copy of Cry Like A Man

July 1, 2020

Due to the few people who donated to help more men receive a free copy of Cry Like A Man, I was able to sign and mail off more copies today.

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