To bring awareness to those suffering mentally, faculty and students are calling attention to the significance of mental health struggles and reviewing the resources available for this topic.
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and the steps people take to prevent suicide.
This month provides an opportunity to educate the public about the warning signs of suicide, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and promote resources and support for those in need.
According to senior Kaylee Broyles, September is for highlighting mental health struggles in everyone.
“Throughout September, it’s important to recognize and educate on varying signs of hardship,” Broyles said. “Everyone has a chance to feel heard.”
Additionally, Broyles says depression and anxiety is more common among the student body than most would think.
“I feel like nobody really knows just how many people are struggling with mental health,” Broyles said. “It can be super easy to hide.”
Broyles also believes that there are important ways to prevent people from struggling privately.
“A frequent sign I see in myself as well as others when they are struggling is being detached and pushing people away,” Broyles said. “During these times I try to stay near the person struggling and let them know that they are cared for.”
Additionally, senior Savannah Landis is in tune with those struggling with their mental health.
“As someone who has had to battle depression for many years, I know just how important it is to have someone who really supports you,” Landis said. “It doesn’t hurt to take the time to recognize the signs of struggles to help the people you care about.”
Landis also highlights some of those tell-tale signs.
“If someone around you begins to distance themselves or begins to make alarming comments, talk to them and make sure they are alright,” Landis said.
Student support advisor Breanne Dickerson explained the severity of mental health struggles and what people should be looking out for.
“It needs to be taken very seriously when a student is struggling,” Dickerson said. “People need to be more aware of people’s ideations.”
Dickerson said the high school offers resources, which are available to those going through hardship.
“We have things like Safe2Say, mental facilities in the area, as well as speaking to your guidance counselor or teachers,” Dickerson said.
Landis likes that the district offers these resources.
“It feels good knowing that I am supported,” Landis said. “We should utilize the help available to us.”
According to Dickerson, teachers are always available to talk about these subjects.
“The door is always open for students to come talk,” Dickerson said.
Dickerson also said that despite the feelings of hopelessness, you are surrounded by help if you are struggling.
“That feeling of being alone when you start to struggle is only just a feeling, you have help around you always,” Dickerson said.
Broyles feels similarly.
“I think it’s important to know that there are actually so many resources available for those struggling,” Broyles said. “You are not alone.”
Additionally, Broyles advocates for the small acts of kindness to make someone’s day better.
“It feels nice to have someone think of you,” Broyles said. “We should all start displaying acts of kindness. You never know who needs it.”