Established in 2003, Suicide Prevention Month is observed every September. The CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control) Injury Center created a Suicide Prevention month social media toolkit which highlights the importance of connecting with others, learning how to cope with stress, and promotes the 988 suicide and crisis hotline. The toolkit can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter under #bethe1to.
There are significant signs of suicide that should not be ignored. For example, talking about wanting to die or being a burden to others, displaying extreme mood swings, eating or sleeping less, taking dangerous risks, withdrawing from friends, and giving away important items.
To those that are struggling, there are people and resources at South to turn to when seeking help. Hope Squad, an organized group of students that meet every other week, discuss ways they can raise awareness towards mental health. Mia Martin, running for president of Hope Squad, has been an active member of the club since her freshman year, and hopes to raise more awareness regarding mental health and erase the stigma around it.
“Hope squad is a group of kids that are trained to recognize signs of suicide or people at risk for suicide, and then be able to refer them to people that can more properly help them,” Martin said.
Not only are peers looking after each other, but the staff of the school is constantly working towards the well being of students. With sophomores and seniors required to attend the SOS (signs of suicide) presentation each year, social workers are available during the day to meet with students that are in need of help.
“It’s critical for South to be a safe place for all people, and we all contribute to the safety of this building and this culture,” Eric Mueller, social worker, said.
World Suicide Prevention Day is honored each year on September 10, and is used to remember those that are affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and focus attention towards directing care to those who need it most.
To everyone that is in need, do not be afraid to ask for help. To those that care about their loved ones, do not hesitate to check up on them. Reaching out as a friend to your peers allows them to not only feel more comfortable, but increases chances of them opening up.