Silent Struggles
An Eden Prairie Local News Special Series on Mental Health
From the team:
When Jordan Markie shot himself in the Eden Prairie Scheels last August, he shocked our city’s residents into a lot of soul searching. Mental health issues and suicidal ideation are nationwide problems, and Eden Prairie is not immune. After reporting the suicides of four young men within two years, including three who were Eden Prairie High School students, Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) began working on Silent Struggles in April 2023. Our reporters interviewed mental health experts; law enforcement; school administrators, counselors, teachers, and students; legislators; nonprofit providers of mental health resources; and mothers of sons who died by suicide. Beginning Oct. 5, EPLN will share compassionate responses through the eyes of survivors, and resources available for families, friends, and those who serve our students in Eden Prairie. Follow our eight-part series, right here on EPLN.
– Jim Bayer
For media inquiries, interviews or questions please contact us.
We’re grateful for the support of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation and EP AM Rotary whose contributions made this series possible.
Beginning today, EPLN presents an 8-part series on the important issues surrounding mental health and suicidal ideation.
Nancy Wagner talks about her family’s efforts over four months to help her son, Jonas, starting from when they first found out he was thinking of harming himself.
Amid rising youth mental health concerns, this article explores the challenges faced by students and the efforts to support them.
Amid rising mental health concerns post-pandemic, Eden Prairie Schools enhances its focus on student well-being, investing in in-school mental health resources and support.
Renee Klein channels her grief into writing her son Zane’s story, exploring his life’s joys, struggles, and the intertwining of love and loss.
Eden Prairie Police Department trains officers, collaborates with schools and other agencies for response to juvenile “person-in-crisis” calls.
Local nonprofits Kaleidoscope Teens and Relate Counseling Center provide hometown support services for teens struggling with mental health issues.
EPLN’s recently completed 8-part series on mental health and suicidal ideation aims to open the conversation around mental health and provide avenues for taking action.
Additional Coverage
“Democratic Visions” covers Eden Prairie Local News, delving into teen mental health challenges and the evolution of the EPLN platform.
Thuy Husmann transforms her anguish over her son Aaron’s tragic suicide into community-driven initiatives, raising funds for The Grief Club of Minnesota to support families navigating similar heartbreak and to bolster suicide awareness.