A New Hampshire family is mourning the loss of 13-year-old Josiah Michael Dwinell, who died by suicide just days after his birthday. A tragedy relatives say came after repeated warnings about bullying were not taken seriously.
Josiah turned 13 on March 4. Eight days later, he took his own life.
Family members say concerns about ongoing bullying at school, along with his declining mental health, had been raised multiple times in the period leading up to his death.
His aunt, Shaena Stebbins, said Josiah’s biological mother passed away more than five years ago, and he had since been living with his “Mimi.”
“He was being bullied at school and on the bus not one person outside his home tried to help him,” Stebbins wrote on Facebook, according to People. “He went to the hospital on numerous occasions where his Mimi sat by his side holding him trying to get him the help he was seeking and his mental health was overlooked, and everyone outside his home said he was seeking attention.
“My nephew decided after a bus ride home that he couldn’t handle the bullying anymore.”
Stebbins later created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover “medical bills and funeral costs, easing some of the financial burden” on the family.
She wrote: “Our family is dealing with the sudden loss of 13-year-old Josiah. He was an amazing brother, son, nephew, and all-around young man who meant so much to everyone who knew him. Josiah brought light and joy to our lives, and his absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. We are heartbroken and still trying to process this tragedy, but we want to honor his memory and give him the farewell he deserves.”
Where to get help
On the topic of mental health and suicide, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741, or contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your distress feels unbearable, or if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, contact a psychiatric emergency unit immediately or call 911.
For more information about available resources, visit Mental Health America at mhanational.org.
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