Class of 2013
Everyone deserves help
In high school, I was fortunate enough not to have to struggle through many psychological or mental disorders. I did, however, support my sibling who was caught in a seemingly endless battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. I was worried about her constantly-if she was on the verge of a panic attack, if she could handle keeping meds in her room, etc. But, never once did I feel isolated or alone. Never once did my own support system make me feel like my problems didn’t matter.
My point? No matter if you’re the person someone leans on for support or you have a loved one struggling with difficult times, don't disregard your own problems. Everyone is allowed to ask for help- everyone from the happiest, bubbliest girl in leadership to the 'emo' or 'brooding' kid who hangs out in E-hall alone during his/her lunch.
Everyone deserves help. Don't ever think 'oh, I don’t need it. I'll be fine.' Worrying about high school is something still fresh in my mind, having just graduated, but even if your only worries are your grades, they’re valid and deserve attention as much as anyone else's.
I was lucky to have a strong support system consisting of family and friends that have been with me since elementary school. I also found refuge in the art department. My art teachers were always available to talk, offer advice, or even to just let students come in and make artwork- work until whatever was bothering them didn't seem so bad anymore. I can't tell you how thankful I am for that opportunity.
Unfortunately, I was pretty immersed in the subject of suicide since sophomore of high school, and in an even realer sense junior year when my sister made her first attempt on her life. After that, suicide was uncomfortably close to me, our friends, and our family. Everywhere I turned, I was told it was wrong. I preached that same message over and over again. Reiterating the same message over and over again DOES work. Don’t think: 'I've said this over and over and they won't listen.' Keep saying it. They WILL get the message. I can tell you first hand. My sister eventually listened and hasn't had those thoughts in a while.
You are not alone. Together we can be resilient. However, this website is not to be used in place of therapy or other forms of help. Non-judgmental help is available 24-7: Call Crisis Link at 1-800-273-TALK(8255). Text with a Crisis Text Line specialist, by texting “TALK” to 741-741. (You can also go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.)
You can also chat online with a specialist at CrisisChat.org (between 2pm and 2am) or ImAlive.org. Many other links to various types of assistance are also available on our RESOURCES page. Help is out there. Reach out, for yourself, or for someone else.
Everyone deserves help
In high school, I was fortunate enough not to have to struggle through many psychological or mental disorders. I did, however, support my sibling who was caught in a seemingly endless battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. I was worried about her constantly-if she was on the verge of a panic attack, if she could handle keeping meds in her room, etc. But, never once did I feel isolated or alone. Never once did my own support system make me feel like my problems didn’t matter.
My point? No matter if you’re the person someone leans on for support or you have a loved one struggling with difficult times, don't disregard your own problems. Everyone is allowed to ask for help- everyone from the happiest, bubbliest girl in leadership to the 'emo' or 'brooding' kid who hangs out in E-hall alone during his/her lunch.
Everyone deserves help. Don't ever think 'oh, I don’t need it. I'll be fine.' Worrying about high school is something still fresh in my mind, having just graduated, but even if your only worries are your grades, they’re valid and deserve attention as much as anyone else's.
I was lucky to have a strong support system consisting of family and friends that have been with me since elementary school. I also found refuge in the art department. My art teachers were always available to talk, offer advice, or even to just let students come in and make artwork- work until whatever was bothering them didn't seem so bad anymore. I can't tell you how thankful I am for that opportunity.
Unfortunately, I was pretty immersed in the subject of suicide since sophomore of high school, and in an even realer sense junior year when my sister made her first attempt on her life. After that, suicide was uncomfortably close to me, our friends, and our family. Everywhere I turned, I was told it was wrong. I preached that same message over and over again. Reiterating the same message over and over again DOES work. Don’t think: 'I've said this over and over and they won't listen.' Keep saying it. They WILL get the message. I can tell you first hand. My sister eventually listened and hasn't had those thoughts in a while.
You are not alone. Together we can be resilient. However, this website is not to be used in place of therapy or other forms of help. Non-judgmental help is available 24-7: Call Crisis Link at 1-800-273-TALK(8255). Text with a Crisis Text Line specialist, by texting “TALK” to 741-741. (You can also go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.)
You can also chat online with a specialist at CrisisChat.org (between 2pm and 2am) or ImAlive.org. Many other links to various types of assistance are also available on our RESOURCES page. Help is out there. Reach out, for yourself, or for someone else.
