Suicide is a major public concern and has been climbing among the leading causes of death in the United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the age of 10-14, and the third leading cause of death among the age of 15-24.
While Suicide Prevention should be addressed all year round, dedicating a whole month to this difficult topic provides communities a designated time to come together with collective passion and strength to address the life-ending action.
San Dimas ASB and Wellness Center have been working together on activities to spread awareness such as a remembrance tree with leaves having names of loved ones and victims who have committed, suffered, and lost their battle with the internal fight.
Emily Corona and Emily Fonner, the two sophomore ASB girls whose idea was to spread awareness for suicide prevention month have done a tremendous job including stories about the heavy topic in the morning announcements, providing links with more information on suicide, and have also experienced a loss. “People don’t really realize how many people died due to suicide, how much it affects people.”
Both of their uncles have committed, and they carry the memories of their loved ones so heavy in their hearts that they feel the need to bring awareness, “I feel like there is a lot of people who have gone through it and it’s not really talked about.”
Ms.Zuniga, a San Dimas High School mental health counselor with fourteen years of experience in the field, says, “I try to make everybody comfortable because it’s a really scary situation.” She knows that being a teenager is full of adversities and struggles in school, life, family, and even more that students juggle, but she also wants the student body to know that it is not the end of the world.
As much as it is refreshing to hear an adult’s point of view, Nathan Torres, a senior at San Dimas has a self-reflective, mature view on the matter and why September is all about suicide prevention. The truth is one conversation can save and change someone’s life. “We should try talking about it more to break that stigma”
Sometimes, we sadly don’t see people struggling until there is no way to save them anymore. As friends, acquaintances, or family members we should try our best to pay attention to the warning signs and suicidal symptoms.
The warning signs are saying goodbye excessively, giving favorited personal belongings away, being more sentimental, self-deprecating behavior and jokes, and telling friends how much they mean to you.
Although it is not a popular topic for the uncomfortable emotions it brings up in people who are affected or not, suicide is a topic of discussion that San Dimas High School has done well in bringing awareness, and shining light on the dark conversations that follow the subject.
If you or anybody you know is struggling do not feel ashamed or isolated because you are not alone, talk to someone, and get the help needed to continue your journey.
