Writing off Depression and Suicide

With reports of teen suicide and bullying on the rise, the nonprofit ministry My Broken Palace (MBP) is creatively helping youth suffering from suicidal thoughts, self-injury, bullying and depression. Inspired by Psalm 34:18—“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”—this organization brings hope to teens using music, writing, painting and video on its Web community.

Ministry founder Scott Brinson cites alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control: Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among young adults ages 15 to 24 and the fourth-highest cause of death of children ages 10 to 14. Most notably he says teen suicide is on the rise. 

“MBP provides a variety of platforms for young people to communicate their feelings to draw them out and allow their voices to be heard,” Brinson says of the ministry’s purpose. 

Brinson and his team travel to concerts, conferences, festivals and school assemblies across the U.S. to personally connect with young adults through an interactive prayer and art wall. MBP is also a one-stop referral service where at-risk youth can find a variety of counseling services available 24/7.