L-R: Rabbi Amy Cohen, Stan Zimmerman, Amanda Mills at screening of the play Right Before I Go. Credit: Jon Kniss

By Rabbi Amy B. Cohen

Talking about suicide can save lives. That is why Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service invited Stan Zimmerman to Austin, Texas to share his play, “Right Before I Go,” with the community. In partnership with the Georgetown Palace Theatre, JFS offered two performances in late January to encourage the Austin Jewish community to talk openly about suicide. Both performances were followed by panel discussions about the Jewish laws related to suicide as well as tools for talking with loved ones and friends who are experiencing suicidal ideation. Research shows that sharing individual stories and perspectives related to mental illness can itself be life changing. Through sharing personal stories of struggle, loss, resilience and recovery, people can achieve connection and show one another that they are not alone. Talking about suicide can dispel myths and stereotypes, reduce negative stigma and barriers to treatment, and increase education.

Shalom Austin JFS is dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness and this year, in particular, combating the growing teen mental health crisis in the community through education, training and awareness. After years of isolation with the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing stressors facing teens, JFS aims to train youth professionals and community members to be able to respond to teens experiencing mental health crisis. JFS therapists Amanda Mills and Dr. Alyssa Gilden will begin offering the AS+K? (Ask About Suicide to Save a Life) training to empower professionals and community members to ask their friends or colleagues if they are suicidal and to be prepared to respond if the answer is “yes.” Asking someone if they are considering suicide can be hard for many, but research shows repeatedly that wellness and recovery from mental illness are possible through connection, support and treatment. People need to feel comfortable saying the word, so everyone can help community members find the support they need. “Right Before I Go” helped JFS begin this important conversation.

“Right Before I Go” was directed by Damon Brown, and included actors from the Georgetown Palace Theatre, whom JFS was honored to partner with for two shows. Funds raised by the show are being used to expand JFS’ suicide prevention programs. JFS invites people to join this important conversation by learning about the risk factors for suicide and attending an AS+K? training with JFS trainers in the months ahead.