A mom whose daughter died by suicide is urging mother and father to speak to their children about their psychological well being. Brittany Tichenor’s daughter, Isabella, was 10 years outdated when she took her personal life in 2021, following extreme bullying in school.
After the heartbreaking loss, Tichenor continues to advocate on behalf of her daughter for psychological wellness check-ins at dwelling, as reported by ABC Information. She was not too long ago featured on “Good Morning America,” encouraging mother and father to prioritize psychological well being help for his or her kids.
“I simply didn’t understand how dangerous it was,” Tichenor informed the discuss present program of the bullying her daughter suffered and her psychological state. “I believe she made a short lived choice in a second of damage, and I’ll always remember that.”
Isabella, who was additionally recognized by her nickname “Izzy,” was coping with intense bullying at her elementary faculty in Utah, however her mom was unaware of how terrible her daughter’s mistreatment was. The fifth-grader was additionally autistic and one of many few Black kids at her faculty. Tichenor claimed that the taunting wouldn’t solely be from her classmates however even some lecturers, along with her daughter stating that the mole between her eyebrows was usually a explanation for ridicule.
“I knew a part of it, and I stored calling the college. I stored calling the district. However I didn’t know the severity of it,” mentioned Tichenor of her pursuit to seek out out extra of her daughter’s expertise. “I informed her, ‘You possibly can inform me something,’ and she or he usually did, however I form of really feel like she was making an attempt to guard me. I simply want she had informed me.”
Isabella’s loss of life is a part of a rising drawback in faculties and psychological well being points for adolescents, because the rising variety of kids coping with nervousness and melancholy up to now years. The exact same 12 months that Isabella handed, suicide was named the second main explanation for loss of life for each youth and younger adults, as confirmed by the CDC.
In August 2023, Tichenor reached a $2 million settlement along with her late baby’s faculty district, Davis Faculty District, after the allegations and alleged negligence on the administration’s half to cease the bullying. Sharing Isabella’s story shouldn’t be straightforward, however Tichenor’s openness and perception to folks might be impactful in saving a baby’s life.
“If [children] let you know one thing, that they’re getting bullied, do what you must do to guard them,” expressed the mother. “And be sure you’re there as a help 24/7.”
Tichenor now works with SafeUT, a psychological well being help platform in Utah, to determine an anti-bullying marketing campaign and dad or mum advisory council.
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