With the Rate of Suicide on the Rise, What Can Be Done to Make a Difference?

There is a growing problem facing our country. As the years pass, the number of deaths by suicide continues to increase. The most recent report by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that someone dies by suicide every 12.8 minutes.

The CDC has stated that “While suicide is a leading cause of death, it is preventable. As a nation, we have a mental health crisis….we need to invest in research, education and support policy that helps people with mental disorders to get the help they need.” (CDC 10/8/14)

The only way to truly help this cause is through greater investment in suicide prevention, but the reality is that only a fraction of the funding that goes to preventing the leading causes of death goes to suicide prevention. Every dollar counts.

In January 2014, 19-year old Madison Holleran, a bright, talented and vibrant Bergen County college freshman took her own life. A champion athlete in high school, Holleran excelled at soccer, tennis and running and attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she managed a double major and competed for one of the top collegiate running programs in the country.

To an outsider, it would appear that Madison was successfully adjusting to her new life. While the University of Pennsylvania is only a two hour commute from her home, the transition to college proved difficult for Madison. Living independently was a significant change from the she was accustomed to, and the stresses of coping eventually overwhelmed the young freshman.

THE GYM of Montvale New Jersey is deeply invested in bettering the community by working to prevent what happened to Madison Holleran from happening again by supporting suicide prevention efforts.

“We recognize that suicide is a big issue in Bergen County, and more specifically, in our community. Even one life lost is one too many. We are actively trying, not only to raise funds, but to raise awareness. Silence is not the answer to a problem of this caliber’” said Lisa Bruchalski, Group Fitness Director at THE GYM.

To achieve this, THE GYM is partnering with The Madison Holleran Foundation the week of September 21st to host a week of fundraising activities. The proceeds will be donated to the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the American Suicide Prevention Foundation.

The events will include:

• Suicide Prevention tank-tops will be sold
• Prizes will be raffled off during various classes all week
• Silent Auction will be conducted throughout the week
• Vendor Fair

Lisa Bruchalski states “We continue to look forward to a day when no one feels so hopeless that the only answer is to take their own life.”

If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts call:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Or Visit
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://www.afsp.org/

The primary mission of the Madison Holleran Foundation is to prevent suicides and to assist those in a crisis situation with phone numbers and resources that will assist them during their time in crisis. We will also focus our efforts on preparing high school seniors and college freshmen, since this can be a very difficult transition period, as it was for Madison and many college freshmen. We will work in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, since they have valuable resources available to High Schools and Colleges to assist in suicide prevention. We also want to break the silence and stigma that is associated with suicide. By helping prepare high school seniors better for college life, as well as offering assistance to those college freshmen who are in crisis, we believe we can help prevent suicides in our country and the rest of the world. Students who are in crisis need to realize that there are therapists, psychologists, and guidance counselors available and eager to give them the assistance they need.

The Madison Holleran Foundation is a legal 501 3 C charitable organization that will raise funds to provide assistance to those organizations involved in preventing suicide.

THE GYM is a complete lifestyle and fitness center, designed to promote healthy living in a first class atmosphere. Its unique approach integrates specialized training programs with nutrition and weight management counseling for total body conditioning and optimal fitness. THE GYM is known for its superior quality equipment, expert staff and special amenities, including a juice bar, spa and child play area. The staff’s attentive service and the facility’s array of programs and services provide guests with a state-of-the-art experience.

THE GYM Montvale
2 Chestnut Ridge Road
Montvale, NJ 07645
201-802-9399
http://www.GetToTheGym.com/montvale