For the month of September, people around the world recognize it as Suicide Prevention Month. It highlights the resources people can reach out to if they are feeling depressed or lost. Verrado does many things throughout and outside the month to make sure students know they aren’t alone.
People in StuGo are creating “Kindness Chains” to decorate the school just like years prior. The chains are made out of notes from Verrado’s own students, with people writing encouraging messages on strips of paper. Then, with those papers, they glue them together to make the chains, then seen around the school!
Another way Verrado has spread awareness is from the flag football team. Abby Vasquez, senior defense of player, was selected to talk about teen suicide and the Teen Lifeline. The Teen Lifeline is a call and text center open 24/7 for teenagers to talk to people their own age. The phone number is (602)-248-8336. It’s confidential and free, so students should not hesitate to reach out for help.
Along with resources, a new club has started up this month about mental health. The club is called “Let’s Talk About Mental Health”, provided by the Bring Change to Mind organization. The club is hosted by Mrs. K at C11 on the 1st and 3rd of Monday during RTI or after school. The goal of the club and organization is to get rid of the stigma that many around the world feel with mental health.
In addition, an all round year resource Verrado promotes can be found on the back of the IDs they give to students. Upon further inspection, the IDs list the Arizona Crisis Line, which is 1-(844)-534-4673, and the National Crisis Line, 988.
There is also a quote from Arizona students across the state: “Life has ups and downs but you are never alone. More people than you know want to help!”.
This is more than the truth all throughout life and especially at Verrado High, since Verrado has their own student support specialist on campus for students to talk to, them being Mrs. Booth and Mr. Okezie. To talk to them, students can schedule an appointment with them or find them in their offices when they aren’t busy.
Verrado encourages everyone to help others and if anyone is struggling, please reach out to the sources listed above or a trusted person. It’s important to know struggles matter, even outside of this month. People are always around to help.
