Screening and discussion on suicide documentary on Sept. 25 at Luther College

Screening and discussion on suicide documentary Sept. 25 at Luther College

Suicide attempt survivor Dese’Rae Stage seeks out other attempt survivors in order to give insight to the other side of a suicide attempt and begin a conversation about suicide attempts and loss in the documentary “The ‘S’ Word.”

Sponsored by Luther College Active Minds and Luther’s Counseling Service, Social Work Department, and Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success, the screening and discussion of the film is 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, in Valders Hall of Science, room 206, on the Luther campus. Both the screening and discussion are open to the public with no charge for admission. Popcorn will be provided by Luther’s Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success; available while supplies last.

“The ‘S’ Word” looks into the lives of four suicide attempt survivors and one family dealing with the loss of a loved one who died by suicide. Craig is a survivor who came to his passion of writing through his survival. He discusses how his attempt led him to write his book “This is How it Feels.” Leah is a mother, survivor and advocate for human rights, dignity, healing and self-determination. She shares how her experiences led her to being able to write and speak about those topics at several different advocacy and activist gatherings.

Kelechi is a young woman who attempted suicide at the age of 23. In the documentary, she discusses what her struggle was like leading up to her attempt and what she has taken away from it. It talks about how she has turned her hardships into something positive as a mental health advocate. Ann is an attempt survivor and mother. In the documentary she reveals her suicide attempt to her son and explains the moment when she began her journey to a full and active life.

Finally, Jean and Jon discuss what happens when a suicide occurs. They tell the story of their pain and acceptance, as they remember their son and all of the ways that he lived.

The community is invited to come Listen to the stories of several people who have been impacted by suicide. Hear how they have grown and changed because of suicide, and then stay for a discussion following the film.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,050, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in more than 60 majors and pre-professional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college’s website:http://www.luther.edu.