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Teens push for suicide prevention through music

Dead Serious to Be Alive travels the country tackling issues young people face through song.

CLINTON, Tenn. — About 20 young people filled the stage at Anderson County High School on Sunday in preparation for their last performance. 

"The whole point of the performance is for teens to get the help that they need," Dead Serious to Be Alive trustee Floyd Resler said.

Dead Serious to Be Alive has been around for about 30 years. The nonprofit works to provide an experience that teens can connect with through a musical.

"Even if there's one person in the audience, our goal is to reach that person," performer Hanna Kuntz said.

Some of the topics mentioned are abuse, self-harm, depression and suicide. But Resler said the idea is to open the dialogue and give people a safe space to share their experiences.

"To not let the people think that they are alone in what they are going through," he said. 

After each show, the performers hop off of the stage and converse with the audience.

"We start to share our personal testimonies, which is great," Kuntz said.

But the resources don't end there. 

The performers said they make sure to get one on one help to anyone who needs it.

"We chat with anyone who wants to share their story and their name and lead them to whoever can help them best," Kuntz said.

The group only stayed in East Tennessee over the weekend but performers  said they do plan to return in the future.

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