Aiexpress – Six years have passed since her daughter’s death, yet Patricia Denson still carries the pain deep within her.
Denson expressed, “It has been a challenging journey since then. The 12 years I spent with her were the most fulfilling years of my life. Although she is now 18, in my heart, she will always be 12.”
Stormiyah Denson-Jackson tragically took her own life at the age of 12 on January 23, 2018, while attending the Seed School, a boarding school in D.C. Her mother, Denson, revealed that her daughter had been a victim of bullying during her time at the school.
“It’s painful, and I can assure you, it hurts. The circumstances surrounding it are particularly difficult to comprehend. It feels like something that’s beyond belief. Personally, I view it as a sacrifice. I’m still trying to process it all,” she expressed.
Denson mentioned that her daughter had a passion for activism and took charge in organizing peace walks and prayer meetings.
According to Stormiyah’s mother, Stormiyah was a vibrant and enthusiastic child. She possessed a strong sense of justice and was always ready to stand up for what she believed in. Her mother describes her as an activist, someone who actively worked towards making a difference in the world. Stormiyah’s passion and outgoing nature made her a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many.
Years after her passing, Denson has taken on the role of an activist, advocating for her daughter and offering support to others who are grappling with depression and anxiety in their lives.
In 2019, Denson and a group of advocates introduced Easy 1, 2, 3, a program aimed at promoting effective action to save our youth. This initiative offers healing activities and facilitates community conversations. Each year, on the anniversary of Stormiyah’s death, an event is organized to commemorate her and raise awareness.
Denson created a simple mantra called Easy 1, 2, 3 as a part of the program. This creed encourages individuals to pause, take a breath, and discover inner peace during moments of pain.
“When you start to feel tired, remember to show yourself love and care. Embrace your inner voice and take a moment to breathe and center yourself. Slowly count to three, repeating the numbers in your mind. It may seem simple, but this practice can actually be quite effective,” shared Denson, reciting the creed with heartfelt sincerity.
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 was resolved and settled in 2020.
She played an instrumental role in getting legislation passed through the DC Council in honor of Stormiyah.
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 the compensation for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Denson takes great pride in the progress that has been made.
“I have not lost her spirit at all, as it is deeply rooted in my heart,” she expressed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 50,000 individuals lost their lives to suicide in 2022. Shockingly, over 7,000 of these tragic cases involved individuals aged between 10 and 24 years old.
“You’re not alone in your struggles,” emphasized Kelly Mahoney, the special events manager at the National Capital Area Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
According to Mahoney, there are certain indicators that parents should be mindful of when it comes to their children’s well-being. These warning signs include changes in sleep patterns, risky behavior, escalated substance abuse, and withdrawing from social connections. If you suspect that your child is struggling, Mahoney suggests having an open and honest conversation with them.
“Just be open and honest with them,” she advised. “Take them aside into a private setting and understand that they may not be ready to share everything at once. However, by showing that you are there for them and willing to listen, they will feel supported.”
Creating a dialogue and destigmatizing suicide are crucial, as emphasized by her.
“We aim to shatter the stigma surrounding suicide and ensure individuals know that they are not alone,” she expressed.
By sharing her daughter’s story, Denson believes she is initiating a conversation for others.
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. One of her goals is to rename a street in Stormiyah’s name, a symbolic gesture that would serve as a lasting tribute. Additionally, she is working towards the establishment of a foundation to support and assist other parents who have experienced the loss of a child.
If you or someone you know is grappling with thoughts of suicide, reach out to the suicide crisis hotline at 988.
