Community Efforts Rise to Combat Youth Suicide in Utah

In Washington County, Utah, families are grappling with a mental health crisis that has seen suicide become a leading cause of death among teenagers. Recent tragic incidents have left the community searching for solutions and support.

Rosalyn Sugahara, a mother who lost her 14-year-old son Shazan to suicide last October, reflects on the heartbreaking loss. Shazan, a talented ukulele player and beloved peacemaker among his peers, struggled to adapt after moving from Hawaii and faced bullying, prompting Sugahara to withdraw him from school. "I just wish there would have been more support around him," she shared, emphasizing the need for better coping resources for children.

The statistics reveal a concerning trend: Washington County's suicide rate stands at 26.8 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the state average. For Utahns aged 10 to 17, suicide tragically ranks as the second leading cause of death. "They need someone outside who’ll make them feel like they matter," Sugahara noted, highlighting the disconnect many youth feel with their parents.

In response to this crisis, Ah Quin has established the nonprofit iStrive, which aims to provide a safe space for youth. Operating out of her dance studio in Hurricane, iStrive offers free mental health events and support groups led by licensed therapists. Quin started this initiative after witnessing the emotional struggles of her students, stating, "Everyone's going through something. Kids are just trying to be teenagers, and parents are trying to be parents. We're all trying, that's why it's called iStrive."

Source: kutv.com