STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

halleybird · Hermes

Such terrible things happening lately...

jen · Kate Spade

When a very popular kid that went to my high school killed himself the teacher just talked to us that week. No work, just talking about our feelings, sharing stories etc. That made me feel better. The other teachers who tried to carry on like it never happened made me mad. At least talk about it in the beginning of your classes. It'll help, even just a little to show that you care. In the past two years, 5 people at my school have killed themselves that I know about. It's very sad because teens know so many people and see so many people so it effects all of them. On a side note, how did he die from an ace bandage?

halleybird · Hermes

quote:
Originally posted by: jen
"On a side note, how did he die from an ace bandage?"

He was trying to make himself pass out...it's a trend now (has been for awhile, actually). He was alone and after he passed out, he was basically unable to revive himself and died.

There was some initial speculation that it was a suicide, but the police found out that it's something he did a lot with his friends, for fun.

bumblebee · Dooney & Bourke

that's really awful, halleybird. do you guys have counseling services available for the kids? probably the best thing you can do as a teacher is just be responsive and caring--maybe listen more than you talk. don't ignore it, but it's natural to be uncomfortable discussing tragedy and death, so it's actually better in terms of putting people at ease if you are as awkward and unsure as they are (ie. not smooth).

also, this is completely inappropriate in terms of timing for your students, but do you know the story "the school" by donald barthelme? it's very dark, but also so funny in its way, about a school where tragedies keep escalating. it might be a good read for you, just to humanize it and find something to hold onto. it's short and you can probably find it online--i hope you don't find it offensive, or i will feel really bad for recommending.

jen · Kate Spade

I'm SO sorry that I'm SO stupid, but did he wrap it around his mouth and nose to stop breathing? I'm just kinda slow today and I can't understand anyone doing that on purpose...other than suicide of course.

Maddie · Coach

A kid died that way at my school. Apparently cutting off breathing makes orgasms feel better and the kid was doing that but ended up suffocating himself. The school treated it as if it were a suicide, that's a kind of awkward thing to talk about. But word got around. I think Jen's suggestion is good of taking a day or two out of class just to talk about it.

Ally S · Kate Spade

Oh Halleybird, I feel for you! While I'm not in a school the public library is the home away from home afterschool for so many of the kids in my community. Since Thanksgiving we have had 3 middle schoolers hit by cars coming from school to the library, 2 left in critical condition and one who is still on life support courtesy of a drunk driver.

Simultaenousley we had one teen shot to death and another left paralyzed from a bullet, all gang related! This is such a small and close knit community and these recents events have cast a real depressing feel on the whole community.

I hope your faculty is receiving support and guidance in handling all the unsettling tragedies, my thoughts are with you, I know how all this turns the whole atmosphere sour for everyone.

If you ever want to talk further or want some additional resources PM me.

carmenb513 · Coach

Ok...I guess I'm living in the dark. I didn't know kids did this for fun....I guess kids I went high school went smoked joints for fun....I'll be praying for your studentd and their families.