Mocobizscene- Six years have passed since her daughter’s untimely death, but Patricia Denson confesses that the pain she feels is still as raw as ever.
“It’s been tough ever since,” Denson shared. “The time I had with her, those 12 years, were the most incredible years of my life. Although she’s now 18, in my heart, she’ll always be 12.”
Stormiyah Denson-Jackson tragically took her own life at the young age of 12 at her boarding school, the Seed School, located in Washington, D.C., on January 23, 2018. According to her mother, Denson, Stormiyah was a victim of bullying during her time at the school.
“It’s painful, and I can assure you that it truly hurts. The circumstances surrounding it make it even more difficult to bear. It’s something that I find hard to believe. I consider it a sacrifice, although I’m not entirely sure how to process it,” she expressed.
According to Denson, her daughter was an active advocate who organized peaceful walks and prayer gatherings. According to Stormiyah’s mother, she was a vibrant and passionate child who possessed a strong sense of protection and activism. Stormiyah was known for her outgoing nature and her involvement in various activities.
After her death, Denson has taken on the role of an activist, advocating for her daughter and offering support to those who are struggling with depression and anxiety.
In 2019, Denson and a group of advocates introduced Easy 1, 2, 3, a program aimed at taking effective action to save our youth. This initiative offers healing activities and community conversations as part of its efforts. Every year, an event is organized on the anniversary of Stormiyah’s death to commemorate her and raise awareness.
Denson devised a simple creed, called Easy 1, 2, 3, to assist individuals in finding solace amidst turmoil. This program encourages individuals to pause, take a deep breath, and discover inner peace.
“When you’re feeling tired, it’s important to show yourself some love and care. Embrace yourself and listen closely. Take a deep breath and count, one, two, three. Repeat this process and you’ll be amazed at how effective it can be,” shared Denson, as she recited the creed with conviction.
Denson has discovered alternative methods to advocate for her daughter. In 2019, she filed a lawsuit against the Seed Foundation, claiming wrongful death. Eventually, the case reached a settlement in 2020. She took action by advocating for legislation in Stormiyah’s name and successfully pushed it through the DC Council.
The Stormiyah Denson-Jackson Economic Damages Equity Act of 2022 became law in the previous year. This law ensures that judges cannot diminish the value of someone’s life due to their race or gender when determining compensation in wrongful death cases.
Denson takes great pride in the progress that has been made.
“I haven’t lost her spirit at all; it’s firmly planted in my heart,” she declared.
The Centers for Disease Control reported a staggering number of suicides in 2022, with nearly 50,000 lives lost to this tragic cause. Alarmingly, among these fatalities, over 7,000 individuals were aged between 10 and 24 years old. According to Kelly Mahoney, special events manager with the National Capital Area Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, it is crucial to remember that you are not alone in your struggle. Many others are facing similar challenges.
According to Mahoney, there are certain indicators to watch out for in your child, such as sleep disturbances, impulsive actions, heightened substance abuse, and withdrawal from social interactions. If you have concerns about your child, Mahoney advises having an open and honest conversation with them.
“Simply be open and honest with them. Take them aside in a private setting and understand that they may not be ready to share everything all at once. However, they will appreciate knowing that someone is there to listen,” she advised.
Creating an open and honest conversation about suicide is crucial, as emphasized by the speaker.
“We aim to dismantle the stigma surrounding suicide and ensure individuals that they are not alone,” she expressed.
Denson believes that by sharing her daughter’s story, she is initiating a conversation for others to join in. According to her, the storm prevented many children from taking their own lives.
As she continues her efforts to honor her daughter’s legacy, she is hopeful that progress will be made. Not only is she working towards renaming a street in Stormiyah’s name, but she is also in the process of establishing a foundation to support other parents who are facing the loss of a child.
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