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Community Corner

Christian Concert Focuses on Teen Depression, Suicide

Proceeds from event will benefit three local organizations.

Last year, three students in Paulding County committed suicide. That’s what local pastor Johnathan Woodward says prompted him to change the focus of his annual Christian concert to focus on teen depression and suicide. 

And it’s what prompted Gary DiRusso and his wife, Leslie, to team up with Woodward and organize Outdooration, what DiRusso says is now the largest outdoor Christian concert in Paulding County.

“That touched my wife and I really deeply because we’re raising teenagers,” DiRusso said.

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What started out as an event for a youth group has now grown and last year included 400 people and 26 churches. While Outdooration has been a free event in the past, DiRusso says this year tickets will be sold to raise money for three local organizations—Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Cops for Kids and The Family Alliance March Against Meth. Woodward says that while teen suicide may not be a growing problem, it is a problem. The Paulding High School chaplain says that self-harm may not be the biggest issue he sees among teenagers, but it is the one that affects students the most.

"You take bad language, and they can go on and live a normal life," Woodward said. "If they have depression, they can't do schoolwork, they're not happy. If a kid's depressed, they can get into self-harm and suicide. Once they go into that depression state, it's such a quick decline."

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Several contemporary praise and worship and Christian rock and reggae bands are expected to perform at the event, including Unhindered, the headlining band, Gideonz Army, A Ransom Plea, P.K. All Day, GodSword, The Danny Magwood Band and Resurrection Day.

The event’s featured speaker is the aunt of Brigette Barron, a South Paulding High School student . DiRusso said Barron’s older sister wrote a letter addressing teens considering suicide or self-harm.

“Some teens don’t have a choice,” DiRusso said. “Brigette had everything to live for and didn’t have a choice in the matter.”

In addition, each of the groups that will receive proceeds from the event will have booths set up and will be giving out literature, and counselors will be available to talk to students. Woodward said that even if students aren't dealing with depression themselves, they can learn the warning signs to watch for with friends.

"We don't see it until we have a suicide," Woodward said. "It's not like this kid went home and committed suicide. There were signs before that. There are always signs."

Outdooration III – Paulding for Christ will be held Sept. 10 at The Village Lawn on Highway 278 in Dallas. Gates open at 4 p.m., and the event runs from 5 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. More information can be found at outdooration.com.

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