Suicide

As a suicide prevention aide, I had to make sure my fellow detainees didn’t harm themselves. It was surprisingly easy to get such a complex job.

Saying “I’m depressed” to jail staff landed Nicholas Brooks in solitary. But with his peers, he has found a way to speak freely.

My brother committed suicide because he felt totally alone. As a volunteer social worker at a jail, I can let even the most judged people know that someone cares.

“Together we prayed and talked about who this girl might have been—and who she might have become.”

“We don’t live on death row; we wait to die.”

"This isn’t a place that provides treatment, help, or even empathy to those who suffer from stress, depression, and mental illness."

I looked into her eyes and told her, “Promise me you won’t hurt yourself again.”