Upon hearing that Miles City lost a child to suicide, I'm both shocked and concerned.

I see on the news that many communities have essentially started task forces, initiatives, and movements toward combatting this unthinkable situation, yet I don't see where Miles City even has any kind of support set up.

I have a few elementary school children who live just down the street that were actually the ones to tell me about this terrible loss. When I asked what the school was doing, the youngest told me that she was confused and asked her teacher about it and was informed by her teacher to "Not to talk about it and to go back to her desk."

Now, I don't even know what school these kids go to, much less who the teacher is... but this is NOT the way to deal with the suicide of a peer.

WE NEED TO BE TALKING ABOUT THIS

This is not the 1950's. The way to handle uncomfortable situations is not to grab the broom and lift the rug. These children are confused and need some sort of guidance. Hiding the reality of suicide WILL ONLY LEAD TO MORE SUICIDE.

I don't know what this poor, lost child was going through. I don't know the child. I don't know the family, but it can only be assumed that this had something to do with bullying. I only say that, because statistics pretty much guarantee it. Yes, I know that some of us old folks might be sick of hearing that word, but you have to realize that the world is a lot different than it was when we were kids. The kids of today have SO many platforms to torture their peers on. They can be relentless. So my question is, what is Miles City doing about this? I hate to be THAT person, but why is it that I hear about anti-bullying campaigns in every other town but my own?

I don't have children. I can't imagine having a child and losing that child. It is unthinkable to me. A loss of any child in this community is a loss to the entire community.

THIS IS WHY WE SHOULD BE TALKING.

Here: "Let's Talk Miles City"

Thank you.

I had no idea this even existed.

Maybe we need to help get this information out there... I'd never even heard of them.

There is a link to "Let's Talk Miles City" on the front page of this website -- it's under the "OTHER SITES" header -- but it's pretty small and you have to scroll down to see it.

I can not imagine the anguish the family of this boy is feeling. If I were in their shoes, I don't know how I would cope.

It has to be absolutely crushing. I can't imagine.

I mean, I fell apart when my dog was killed... and that's the closest I can come to something like this on a personal level.

I don't think I'd survive losing a child. I just don't think I'd be strong enough. I ache for them.

I'm glad we have some sort of resource here, though I'm not sure many people even know about it. A resource is only as good as the people's access to it.

After speaking with the elementary school kids who were just told not to talk about it, I'm concerned that the schools here may be ill-prepared to help cushion the blow of these events. Perhaps the schools should engage in teacher training for something like this to prepare them for the obvious trauma to the peers of this young child.

1950's? That's the advice we were getting 1993.

Even though I don't live in MC anymore, I know the family, and it's just a punch in the gut when you hear about it.

There are actions in Miles City to prevent suicide. The Library and College just held a seminar on Cyberstalking awareness, the local mental health council holds an annual "Walk out of Darkness" suicide prevention walk, the local mental health council sponsors a Suicide First Aid training workshop, and the local mental health council sponsors a Mental Health First Aid workshop. Why these suicides keep happening, I don't know, but we have to keep trying. Join the walk or take some of these workshops. You may save a life.

Out of respect and love for everyone who loves this family and all those who struggle through such a heart-breaking event, I think any comments reflecting on hearsay might be better unsaid.

I know Miles City educators have and will continue to strive with all their heart and soul to reach the needs of every student in their care. They seek out training, they have professionals in the mental health fields working daily to support these precious souls. They wish more than anyone can ever imagine that their students not have to feel the loneliness and hurt of such loss.
I also know Miles City Schools have a plan in place to meet with their staff when something like this happens and the administration and staff are given accurate and caring information so they can help the children at their schools with age appropriate support. Schools directly affected are supported with extra mental health staff and counselors during crucial times.

The Lets Talk endeavor is alive and well and other training is in process.
So, I beg you to please help by being part of the "village" and without judgment that might be based on incomplete information.

We cherish every child and give our all to help one another.

busyB wrote:

Thank you.

I had no idea this even existed.

Maybe we need to help get this information out there... I'd never even heard of them.

MilesCity.com has hosted the Let's Talk Miles City website for almost 4 years. More people need to become aware about the organization. They are there to help.

There is a link on the front page (lower right corner), a link in the web directory ("Sites" tab above), a link on MilesCity.org, and they also have a Facebook page.

I'm very sad to hear about this tragedy. I can't imagine the pain the family is going through. My heart and condolences go out to all those suffering.

Rest assured, the Miles City Police Department knows exactly what resources the community needs to address such issues.

http://milescity.com/foru...iew/365984

You guessed it! GUNS FOR KIDS!