'Irreplaceable'

RATHDRUM — "You are loved."

The words linger on the screen at the close of "Irreplaceable," a documentary that tells the story of students, parents and school officials in Lakeland School District and the impact suicide has on their close-knit community.

"Everybody has problems. I'm sitting here right now and I have problems," Patty Morrison, a former Lakeland administrator, says in the video. "Problems bring a lot of big feelings in all of us. We don't always know how to deal with those feelings, but that can be all helped with people who really care. You see the most amazing change with kids happen because of relationships. And that can happen with anybody if there can be a connection."

Tears, hugs and that powerful human connection happened at the "Irreplaceable" Parent Night, held Thursday evening at the Kootenai Technical Education Campus in Rathdrum.

Lakeland administrators, counselors and more gathered with parents, grandparents, guardians and community members to view the documentary and have honest conversations about suicide awareness, prevention and the task of discussing this tender subject with children and teens.

A couple who wished not to be named attended the evening to gather information to help them with a young person in their care.

"We have been hearing about this movie, 'Irreplaceable,' and we wanted to see that because we've been hearing about it for a long time," the woman said. "This is a great idea. I wish all the chairs were filled. It's much needed. I know the trouble for teenagers, and middle-schoolers. It's amazing how many middle-schoolers."

"Irreplaceable" features interviews with Lakeland students as they talk about the impact suicide has had on their lives. Counselors and administrators share their experiences and offer words of support for anyone touched by suicide.

"Awareness is key," Garwood Elementary School counselor Heather Hunter said ahead of the screening. "If families don't know these resources are out there, there is a loss of hope."

She said she was concerned the turnout would be sparse "because it is such a hard thing to talk about." At least 50 people were in attendance.

"It is really near and dear to a lot of staff members I work closely with, family members I work closely with," Hunter said. "It just is a great reminder that people are looking for support, are looking for ways to prevent this from happening further in our community."

She said the biggest thing parents can do for their kids is listen to them.

"Listen to understand, not to immediately respond," Hunter said. "If there is a student or a child who is disclosing any sort of suicidal thoughts or ideation, it's for a reason. And it is a cry for help. Listening is key. Not disregarding it, not looking at it as attention seeking or connection seeking, but really, 'I need support and I'm struggling right now.'"

More events in the "Irreplaceable" series will take place at future dates.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day: 800-273-8255.