The Defensive Line (TDL) is a nonprofit organization based in Texas that seeks to end the crisis of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health.
TDL was founded by Chris, Martha, and Solomon Thomas following the loss of their daughter/sister Ella who died by suicide on January 23, 2018. Ella was stunning and bright, and became one of many victims to a rising crisis of youth suicide for young people of color. Out of her death, the Thomas's sought to turn their pain into purpose, by educating people about suicide and spreading authentic truths about mental health, suicide loss, and grief.
The Defensive Line Suicide Prevention Workshops train teachers, coaches, staff, and other adults on how to identify a mental health issue, how to have difficult conversations, and how to create a plan of action so leaders can refer students and young people to existing and lifesaving mental health resources. Their D-Lines content provides succinct direction to make this happen within a school or workplace setting.
In addition to the workshops, Storytelling is another primary part of our organization. TDL began when our co-founders started telling their personal stories of loss publicly. By continuing to share their stories they are advocating for a world where we talk about suicide, mental health, and personal struggles openly so we can become more connected with one another and save lives.
In hopes of helping others, the Thomas family shares their story wherever it can be told: panels, schools, podcasts, conferences, national television, and many others avenues. The Thomas' have shared their stories in at workshops in Dallas ISD, Richardson ISD, Coppell ISD, Baylor, and TCU to name a few. National platforms include CNN, ESPN, CBS Mornings, Spectrum News, People Today Show, Mental Health America Conference, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Conferences, GQ Sports, National Alliance on Mental Illness and many others.
PROGRAM OPTIONS FROM THE DEFENSIVE LINE:
Suicide Prevention D-Lines Workshop
Keynote Presentation: Turning Pain Into Purpose
TDL Panels with Experts
Parent University
Lunch & Learn Session with Q&A
Teachers' Self Care & Wellness Workshop
TDL Conversations
BONUS: Anyone who completes the Suicide Prevention Workshop will receive our exclusive Quarterly Huddle videos with ongoing mental health discussions by experts in the field.