CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Suicide is the second leading cause of death in North Carolina teens, according to a report by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. That's why one nonprofit is pairing up with a music studio to take a unique approach to suicide awareness. 

   What You Need To Know

  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death in North Carolina teens, according to a report by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services

  • The Bridge music studio is working with an after-school program put on by a mental health nonprofit

  • The music studio space, from the recording booth to laying the tracks on the computer, is open to teens

There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to preventing suicide, but two entities are working to tackle the issue.

The Bridge, a music studio in Charlotte, is opening its doors up to an after-school care program put on by DDAAT-App, a mental health nonprofit.

It’s essentially giving teens a place to have creative control, instead of a clinical setting.

Music engineer Elijah Cain says it's a space where teens can speak freely. They are not just playing songs, Cain says, but making music.

"I'll just teach the knowledge I have, how to record, the art of recording, and, you know, see what they take away from it," Cain said.

He says when they’re given that freedom, it’s an opportunity to sing about real-world issues like suicide, a topic that hits home for Cain.

"I've lost three friends to suicide recently, like a month or two ago, so it touches home for me. ... And I hate to hear, hate to hear about it. I want to understand it a little more, you know, so if I could tap in the minds of the youth this feeling that way, I could probably, you know, lead them to another way and then with my with my language," Cain said.

The entire space is open to teens, from the recording booth to laying the tracks on the computer.

“Pretty much teaching them how to have an outlet and how to use music as a tool to cope, almost get their pain out, articulate their pain," Cain said.

It's not just through music they’re doing that — if you step right outside the recording booth, you’ll also find a gym.

"It's a space to focus on your mental health," said The Bridge founder Cody Dorce. "Whatever might be bugging you, you can kind of come in here, release it, and then get back in the studio.”

Dorce says it’s a place they want teens to call home as a way of remembering they’re not alone.

"I recognize the need for the community and as a family, a sense of belonging that surrounded the studio... and so that's why the idea of like this, the family sort of aspect of what we're doing is so important," Dorce said.

The space in Charlotte even has a stage and another recording room, so the opportunities are endless. 

They don’t officially kick off the program until Feb. 5.

The after-school program will go from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the week.

For more information, click here.

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health issues, help is available 24 hours a day through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.