National Suicide Prevention Month: Take 2

By Leah Maquindang

Staff Writer

September may be over, but suicide prevention does not have an expiration date. September was National Suicide Prevention Month and served as a reminder to have conversations about mental health, recognize when someone may need support, and make sure people know that they are not alone. For students especially, creating a community where people feel comfortable asking for help is something that matters every single day.

Life can come with academic pressure, family responsibilities, friendships, relationships, extracurricular activities, and questions about the future. Everyone handles these challenges differently, and sometimes it can be difficult to tell when someone is struggling.

One of the simplest ways to support someone is to check in. A quick, “How are you doing?” can create an opportunity for someone to open up, especially when it is asked genuinely. Many people believe that there is a stigma around talking about mental health and do not feel like it is something that should be talked about.

“In my experience, people seem to be very closed about their feelings rather than talking about it because of the fear of what other people might think,” expressed Christopher Padilla, an 11th grader. “I would tell every student that they are not alone. There are countless resources to help you feel better and there are people, like myself, who are more than happy to talk about your feelings, as well as helping.” 

Asking for help does not make someone weak, and supporting a friend does not mean having all the answers. Sometimes, being willing to listen and helping someone connect with another person is enough to make a big difference. 

Pamela Francisco, 12th grade, mentioned, “It’s okay to not have everything figured out, sometimes just being kind to everyone goes a long way.” 

Support doesn't always have to be a serious conversation, either. Including someone who feels left out, checking on a friend who seems different than usual, or simply reminding someone that they have people who care about them can help build a stronger sense of community.

Suicide Prevention Month gives people a reason to start these conversations, but it shouldn’t be the only time we have them. Mental health is something that deserves attention all year round. It is starting to become something that is talked about more openly, and it is important to keep that going. 

Check in on your friends. Listen when someone needs to talk. Be kind, even when you don't know what someone may be going through. September may be over, but the conversation doesn't have to be.