Lake Dallas Parents Grow Concerned Over Suicides
LAKE DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - As hundreds of parents and students left Lake Dallas High School on Monday night, they did so with a new sense of purpose. "The community as a whole has basically felt gut-punched," said parent Delana Gillette about two suicides and an attempted suicide that have rocked the area in just two months. "To be able to learn the signs and what to look for and who we can turn to is absolutely awesome."
The meeting came after a 17-year-old Lake Dallas student and football player committed suicide this past February. Another student, 14, hanged himself at home in March. Just last week, a seventh grade student attempted suicide inside Lake Dallas Middle School. That student is now recovering.
The Lake Dallas Independent School District gathered counselors and professional therapists to answer questions from those who packed the high school's auditorium. "It's important to understand what's going on in your community and with your children," said parent Karin Rountree. "If it's not your child this time, it could certainly be next time."
Several teachers attended the meeting with the goal of gaining insight into the minds of children who may be suffering from depression. "I wanted to learn more about today's kids," said substitute teacher Randy Cummings. "What they're thinking and how they're reacting."
From cyber-bullying to cutting, those who attended the Monday meeting – teachers, parents and students alike – were taught to think about the warning signs of a depressed and possibly suicidal child, in hopes of preventing the unthinkable from happening again. "You really have to look out for your friends," said eighth grade student Jeremy Gillette. "Not only your friends, but your family."
