Fran Gervasi lost her oldest Steven by suicide 30 years ago, right before his 18th birthday. Gervasi said he was diagnosed with adolescent depression six years before he took his life. She is now on a mission to make sure those thinking about suicide, especially teens, have the support they need in New Jersey.
The World Health Organization reports a 25% increase in the prevalence of depression and anxiety worldwide during just the first year of the pandemic alone, referring to the study as a wake-up call to improve mental health services and support.
Gervasi joined U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th) and other panelists for a roundtable discussion on suicide prevention hosted by the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris.
