September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Now more than ever, the discussion surrounding suicide prevention and mental illness must be a priority.
From NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. NAMI is here to help.
This week’s guest is Gina Schuster. She lost her husband, Corey Schuster, to suicide. Jill Devine went to middle and high school with both Gina and Corey, so this conversation was very special to Jill. She was incredibly honored that Gina was willing and ready to share Corey’s story.
In the episode, Gina opened up to Jill about the ongoing struggles Corey dealt with and the different treatments he tried up until his death. Corey and Gina have three children: Evan (13), Tessa (11), and Mason (8). In 2011, Corey was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Both Corey and Gina agreed they wanted the kids to know about his diagnosis because of the ups and downs Corey faced regularly.
Gina provided some resources for those who are suffering from mental illness, suicide loss survivors, and family activities to help ease the pain.
Resources:
*Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) / Crisis Text Line, text TALK to 741741
*NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
*Facebook – search “Modern Widows Club St Louis Chapter”
*The Missouri Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a great program called “Talks Saves Lives”.
Lastly, Gina organized a walk on behalf of Corey. Money raised goes towards suicide prevention. You can donate or join Gina’s team. Search for “Corey’s Crew”. The walk is happening Sunday, September 27th at 1p.
New to Season 4, the Supermom Shoutout! Jill would like to acknowledge and recognize the hard work moms put in on the daily. It can be a thankless job at times, and Jill wants these moms to know their worth. Jill is nominating this week’s Supermom and it should be no surprise that she’s nominating Gina.
Before her husband’s death, she always put Corey and her kiddos before her own needs. Now, she is raising her three children alone and she’s helping them grieve, as well as grieving herself. She doesn’t quit and she will never give up.
Gina – YOU are seen and YOU are supported!
To nominate a Supermom (or you can nominate yourself) email hello@jilldevine.com. Submit the name of the Supermom, where they're from, and a brief description as to why Jill should shout out this particular Supermom.
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