Christopher Landon England was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, on July 10, 2008—and ended his life on March 22, 2024.
Landon’s first signs of mental health challenges were apparent as early as day care. He would throw violent tantrums, refuse to obey authority in any way, and often disrupted classes and nap time. At the age of 3, he was asked to leave the day care—or put him on medication. From that day forward, Landon struggled. He was examined by pediatricians, psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors. He was medicated to the point of completely changing who he was–and not always for the better. The difficult behavior in school continued; the appointments with mental health professionals continued; and the struggles with all family members continued as no one knew exactly how to help Landon. The professionals often disagreed, the medication often did more damage than good, the family-though they loved Landon-had a hard time dealing with his outbursts, which ultimately led to some family members distancing themselves from him.
In addition, Landon experienced life-altering traumas close together which exacerbated his issues. His parents’ divorce, his mother’s abandonment and subsequent moves to Alabama and then Florida. Then in October 2018, in Panama City, Florida, Hurricane Michael destroyed our home, his school, and most everything we had. And then in December 2018, his mother died.
It was time for a change; a fresh start, again. So, at the age of 10, Landon, his father and I moved back to Alabama to be closer to family in hopes for better days ahead.
However, the move did not meet expectations. The mental health services in Alabama were not up to the standards of Florida. He changed doctors several times and was prescribed more medications than he had taken the entire time he lived in Florida. This roller coaster to find the best treatment for Landon continued month after month; year after year.
Most of the counselors, especially school, were wonderful. They tried everything to help Landon, but it was the professional “shingle on the door” mental health professional that was so shocking. There was never real in-depth patient interaction. Most just prescribed pills based on the “behavior” you relayed to them. There were inadequate diagnoses, there were false diagnoses, there were complications with medication that we were told to “overlook, it would take time to adjust”. Despite having sought out a variety of professionals, from psychiatrists to therapists, hoping to find someone who could provide answers and a path to healing for Landon, each attempt seemed to lead further into a maze of indifference and a “one size fits all” medication approach.
As Landon reached his teenage years puberty and peer pressure joined the already complicated mental health battle. He had turbulent relationships with family members and school officials. Despite the best efforts of his family, a very special devoted school counselor, a mentor/minister from whom he sought guidance, Landon continued to struggle. Ultimately, he was faced with having to leave the school he attended, so he began online school through Alabama Connections Academy.
The online program seemed to work for him. His grades improved and he was recognized by faculty for his abilities in English and Science. Finally, things appeared to be getting better.
And then they were not.
Despite the best efforts of his family and friends, Landon lost his battle with mental illness and took his own life on March 22, 2024, at the age of 15. Those who knew him struggled to understand how such a bright and beloved young man could have been battling such darkness. In the wake of their grief, Landon’s loved ones began to reflect on the events that had led to this tragic outcome. What signs were missed? Was it the medication? Had the family done everything they could to help him?
Determined to honor Landon’s memory and help other families from experiencing similar heartbreak, I became an advocate for teen mental health awareness and reform. A non-profit 501©3 foundation–The Landon Project—was established in 2024.
Through the distribution of inspirational bracelets, along with informative materials, The Landon Project brings much-needed attention to teen mental health. These tangible reminders served as a constant encouragement for teens to seek help and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. Landon’s memory lives on through these initiatives, and we pray his story becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring a movement that brings light to the darkness of teen suicide. Our goal is that his legacy becomes one of resilience and hope, offering a lifeline to teens in need and a reminder that even in the depths of despair, there is always a reason to keep fighting.
If you would like to donate to this cause, please see the information below.
VENMO: @TheLandonProject_08
DIRECTLY TO METRO BANK: 2505 Moody Parkway, Moody, AL
Account No.: 16879979
Or you can mail a check: The Landon Project, #16879979
150 Gina Ct., Odenville, AL 35120
IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Suicide Response: 988
Crisis Hotline: 205-323-7777
UTALK (Formerly Teen Link): 205-328-5465
Crisis Text Hotline: Text 741741
Kid’s Help Line: Text or call 205-328-5437
Rape Response: 205-323-7273
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)