Greenfield Mourns Loss Of 2 Teens Who Took Their Own Lives

GREENFIELD, WI — The Greenfield community is mourning the loss of their own after two Greenfield High School students took their own lives within the past six weeks.

According to a FOX 6 report, Greenfield High Schoool student Anthony Hernandez, a sophomore, died in October. His father, Carlos Hernandez said bullying played a role in his son's death. The second student died last week.

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"Our thoughts and our sympathies go out to the family and his friends. If you need any help or support of any kind because of this information or because of something else in your life, it is important that you go to student services at any time to get help," District officials said in a statement.

District officials said the following to the student population and parents following news of the second death:

• Please watch out for your friends, and encourage them to receive support if they need it. Above all, please look for every opportunity to be kind to one another during this difficult time.
• The District has made available additional resources for students in the form of counselors and psychologists from other buildings, and other school districts. Students who are in need of support are encouraged to visit student services.

District officials said they're hosting two meetings — one on Nov. 25, and a second on Dec. 3 for parents and community members.

How To Go

Greenfield High School
Dates/Times: Monday Nov. 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday Dec. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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How To Help

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are six guidelines to follow if a teen shares that he or she is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors:

1. Take any talk of suicide seriously. If a teen approaches you and shares suicidal thoughts, let the teen know that you are glad they shared this information and reassure him or her that you can help and he or she is not alone.
2. Provide reassurance. Let the teen know there is help available and that you and others care and want to help.
3. Use your judgment. If the teen has suicidal thoughts, a specific suicide plan and seems intent on ending his or her life, get help immediately by calling 911 or the National Suicide Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).
4. Contact a parent or other trusted adult. If a teen shares suicidal thoughts with you, let him or her know you cannot keep that a secret, you need to contact a parent or trusted adult and ask who you should reach out to. Wait with the teen until the trusted adult arrives. Do not leave a teen who may be suicidal alone.
5. Share the resource sheet. When the trusted adult arrives, share the resource sheet and recommend that they immediately seek mental health care for the teen.
6. Share information about the encounter with others and document it. Let others within your organization know that you had that conversation with a member of the youth group and document how you handled it.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are 10 warning signs to watch for a person who may be struggling with a mental health crisis:

1. Feeling very sad, withdrawn or unmotivated for more than two weeks.
2. Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself.
3. Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.
4. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing.
5. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain.
6. Severe mood swings causing problems in relationships.
7. Excess use of drugs or alcohol.
8. Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits.
9. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still.
10. Intense worries or fears getting in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes.