Every September is Suicide Prevention Month, so in honor of the month, we gathered information that we want to share to help anyone who might need it. A lot of people ignore their mental health or don’t know about it, but a lot of people shame others who have suicidal thoughts or want to commit suicide. We can prevent this by listening to their pain and being there for them. You can save a life by just listening and encouraging them to keep going, whether it be a friend, sibling, parent, or stranger.
We received a few thoughts from our counselors about how they would help a student who has attempted suicide or has thought about it. 3 students from the Newspaper/Yearbook Club, who are Eleanna Lopez, Allyson Ramirez, and Jesus Navarro, interviewed one of our many counselors, Ms. Ortiz, for her advice. “Anyone can,” the counselor responded when asked if people young or old can have suicidal urges. The counselors like Ms. Ortiz work to help students as they have ‘a feeling’ to “help, guide, and lead students to get professional help and stay safe,” she states after being asked when a student opens up with how they feel and view their life. Finally, what are some signs that they are going to attempt?
It is important to give people with suicidal urges options before it’s too late. Remember, you are not alone. “Suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame,” states NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, on what shouldn’t happen when one reaches out to help. There are lots of places to reach out to, such as hotlines, counseling, or reliable informational articles.
And students, if a trusted adult does not take notice of you if you have suicidal thoughts, here is what you could do. A Crisis Agent from the 988 Lifeline states, ¨A lot of times, children are not taken seriously regarding their suicidal thoughts, and that can feel so isolating. My suggestion to those kids who are struggling to feel heard would be to spread out that support. If your parent or guardian is unable to be the support for you in the moment of having thoughts of suicide, there are options for other resources available. This crisis line is a great example, but there are also school counselors, a teacher who you trust, or maybe a friend’s parent. You can always call or text the crisis line, and we have 24/7 walk-in crisis centers.¨
To sum up, you’re not alone. People use resources specifically to help. If you want to help, try to go through your week thinking of ways to help one another, or help yourself if you feel this way. Remember, you are not alone; help is only a click away.
