PAX Centurion - Summer 2014

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Summer 2014 • Page 35 cide in order to prevent more loss in the community. “Instead of comparing chains, we need to encourage one another to break free of them,” she said. “Wemust ask ourselves howmanymore individuals are we going to lose before we finally are OK to start talking about our self-worth and any feelings related to it?” As an individual, Nee said people need to recognize their self-worth, and the moment they begin to question it, they should reach out for help. She said for those carrying the burden of others who are suffer- ing, “It’s time to speak up and get those individuals the help that they deserve.” “If you feel like you want to self-harm, end the stigma, break the barrier and tell someone,” she said. “Your loved ones need you here. Trust me when I say, suicide does not allow you to escape the pain, it instead shifts it all into the backpack of your loved ones who are then forced to carry it place to place.” She said she refuses to stand back and let another family endure what her family is currently struggling with – filling the hole of a remarkable loved one. “I know I was meant to help people in one way or another, other- wise this project would have never even crossed my mind to begin with,” she said. “I want those struggling to know that someone cares – I care, and that there is light in dark times.” In January Nee presented a workshop at the South Eastern Mas- sachusetts Association of Student Council’s Lock-In, centered on “Make Happy Happen.” She recently traveled toWestern Massachu- setts to speak about this project, suicide prevention, and how high school students can get involved in raising awareness. “I’m extremely excited to see where the next year takes me with this project, and in helping people I am helping myself to heal from the loss of my brother,” she said. Knowing that she is impacting even just a single person is what is making it all worth it, she said. “I miss him every single day,” she said of Joseph. “But through this project I can keep the memories and advice he left with me alive so that no one else will have to lose their best friend.” For more information visit “Make Happy Happen” on Facebook at facebook.com/ProjectMakeHappyHappen If you are considering suicide, or know someone who might be, call 24-hour Help Lines: Samaritans:1-877-870-HOPE (4673), Samaritans: 1-800-262-TEEN (8336), National LifeLine: 1-800-273- TALK (8255), TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) (Reprinted from the Scituate Mariner, April 3, 2014.) Mary Nee and her brother, Joseph. After Joseph committed suicide this past November, Mary became determined to have a positive impact on people struggling with mental health issues, and their loved ones. THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT PEER SUPPORT UNIT We are a peer-driven support program for police officers and their families. Our program is completely confidential and is available to ALL police officers and their families. Group or individual help with handling family and life issues, alcohol, drugs, anger and domestic issues. Referral for specialist as needed. 251 River Street, Mattapan, MA 02126 Office: 617-598-7888 (M-F 9 am-5 pm) Off-Hours, On-Call Peer Counselor: 617-343-4680 Sometimes even WE need a little help from our friends! Kenneth Kelly Denise Corbett Kaitlyn Keaney John Ridlon WE STILL REMEMBER