Ontario region struggles to make sense of suicides
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teenagers in Ottawa, but in Lanark County, it is the number one concern.
Six young men took their own lives in the space of a few weeks, a series of shocks that left the town of Perth and people in the surrounding area not knowing how to respond.
Suicide prevention
Groups that provide support to youth:
Child, Youth and Family Crisis Line for Eastern Ontario (1-877-377-7775)
Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (613-260-2360)
Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth (613-264-1415)
"It was a time when we really took stock," said Perth Mayor John Fenik. "I think we took a good look around, to see what we could do for each other."
The town has since held several community meetings on the topic of depression and suicide, with the goal of making it something that can be talked about.
The following audio slideshow tells part of the story of one of these young men — Jesse Graham — through the voices of his friend Krystal Shannon and his mother Shelly Graham.