On Jan. 27, Farmington SAFE (Suicide Awareness For Everyone) sponsored an important community conversation. The goal of Farmington SAFE is to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of speaking up about depression and thoughts of suicide. This event, funded by the Graham E. Smith Memorial Fund, brought approximately 200 people to the Costick Center, helping Farmington SAFE in reaching this goal.

Jordan Burnham is a nationally recognized mental health advocate and motivational speaker. His story has been featured on ESPN, and in People and Sports Illustrated magazines. Jordan spoke of his experiences with depression, substance abuse and his attempted suicide during his senior year of high school.

Before arriving at the Costick Center that evening, Jordan spoke to students and staff at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and also Harrison High School, sharing his message of hope and survival to more than 1,200 people in one day.

Jordan’s story is powerful. A popular student athlete who appeared to have it all, Jordan didn’t feel comfortable or safe sharing how he truly felt inside. “What do I have to complain about?” he thought. He felt alone. He self-medicated with alcohol. He attempted suicide.

Jordan survived a nine-story fall from his bedroom window. His rehabilitation (both physically and mentally) was grueling, but he persisted and walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma the following year. Today, Jordan travels around the country talking to middle school, high school and college students about his personal experiences.

During the question and answer portion of the Costick Center event, Jordan was asked how we can reduce the stigma of speaking up about suicide and mental health issues. He answered: “We need to share our stories.” He mentioned that if he had heard someone share a story like his when he was younger, he would have felt less alone and more likely to reach out for help.

In Farmington SAFE’s logo are the words “let’s talk about it.” By sharing our stories, we are doing just that. We are “talking about it” and hopefully helping people feel less alone. Thank you, Jordan Burnham, for sharing your powerful story. We look forward to your return.

For further information about Jordan Burnham, check out www.activeminds.org and “E:360, The Jordan Burnham Story” on YouTube.

For further information about FarmingtonSAFE, find us on Facebook or check out our website www.farmingtonsafe.com.

Anna Cassar & Sara Majoros are founding members of Farmington SAFE. Burnham is expected to return to the Farmington area thanks to a potential grant from the Farmington-Farmington Hills Education Foundation.