Leading with Love: A Mother’s Mission to Bring Mental Health Awareness to Schools

According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34. Despite these alarming numbers, suicide and mental health often remain undiscussed and even taboo topics. 

We recently spoke with Corby Smith, a Regional SOS® (Signs of Suicide)Trainer with CHADS (Communities Healing Adolescent Depression and Suicide), about getting involved, the importance of awareness, and what drives her to pursue this necessary but challenging work.

Getting Started with CHADS

Following the tragic death of her son Josh, who died by suicide in 2017, Corby  realized “the topic of mental health wasn't prominent in our household.” Throughout the grief, with the help of her faith and therapy, Smith discovered a desire to help. 

She saw that “there needed to be more education about mental health and suicide prevention.”  However, she didn’t know where to begin. “I really didn’t know how to go about getting the word out.” Then she found CHADS.

The Importance of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention 

Now, as a practiced Regional SOS® Trainer, Smith knows the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. “We need to talk about things that impact mental health: trauma [and] bullying—just to name a few. Not talking about this stuff leads to more problems.” Through her work, she wants folks to know the importance of not being afraid to get help.

Removing the fear begins with normalizing and prioritizing mental health. Smith asserts, “This starts with education.” Through her work with CHADS, she gives mental health presentations to teens across the area. Even on busy days (she’s done up to eight presentations in one day), sharing her story and knowing it can help others is the reward.

“I know what I went through losing Josh and what my other kids went through; I would never want someone else to go through that pain and grief. This message needs to get out there to the parents and the kids so they know how to ask for help.”

—Corby Smith

The Drive

Smith acknowledges that the work of mental health awareness and suicide prevention can be demanding. To take on this work, she advises to “make sure that you are in your right space mentally” and to “know how to take care of your own mental health.” 

Once you’re in the right head space, the work is very rewarding. She remembers an impactful moment when a “student came up afterward and thanked me and said that they appreciated me talking about this because it's hard for them to talk about.” 

Knowing she is helping teens find the language and the permission to ask for help makes the work well worth it.

Finding Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Corby Smith knows better than anyone that talking about mental health can make a difference. Through her work, she shares her story and helps reach teens who might be struggling. If you are interested in becoming an SOS® Trainer or would like to have someone speak at your school or organization, contact SOS® Program Manager, Mindy Grossman at mindy@chadscoalition.org or 314-952-8274.