Suicide Prevention Month: Remote Resources For High Schoolers

TINLEY PARK, IL — September is Suicide Prevention Month and is dedicated to reducing the risk of suicide in people all over the world. During the month, mental health advocates, organizations, survivors, community members and more unite to promote suicide prevention awareness, according to the Suicide Prevention LifeLine.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data report, suicide among children, teens and young adults has gone up over 57 percent in the last 10 years. The CDC also reports that mental health issues have tripled since the start of the pandemic. Some CDC experts worry that mental health issues will continue to rise among youth while kids stay home from school. In the year 2018, suicide was the second leading cause of death among adolescents.

"We have been productive with students," Victor J. Andrew High School Counselor, Aaron Villette said. "I can’t imagine being a teenager at this time. I can only support and try to be as available to them as much as possible. We just want them to know we are here and we care."

Villette said that his counseling perspective is to highlight and draw out triggers of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideations when speaking with students.

"Sometimes kids don't want to say something is bothering them. And sometimes students don't want to say they think something might be bothering their friends either," Villette said. "We do wellness checks with the teachers to ask if they notice any changes in behavior among their students. When students are mentioned to us, we try to talk to them and see what's going on."

Villette said if a mental health issue seems to be presented, counselors will get students and families connected with support to not only help, but to show them that someone cares. Students can't go in person for counseling due to the pandemic, so they meet virtually.

"Last spring, conversations were awkward for students. We had to build a bit of trust and seriousness for virtual sessions," Villette said. "Now, it's not awkward anymore because students have gotten used to speaking to us over video calls. The emotions and concerns are still being addressed and spoken about through a google meet session."

Andrew High School Social Worker, Kim Gierhahn, encourages parents to get involved if something seems to be going on with their high schooler.

"Parents should call us and say something is wrong, so we can help," Gierhahn said. "Pick up the phone to communicate with us. The more we communicate, the better trust we can build together. Community partnership is key."

The social worker said that this is an experience nobody was prepared for.

"We needed to learn how to counsel and provide in a pandemic. It is not easy," Gierhahn said. "We don’t get caught up in the stress because we truly care about our kids and want them to be successful."

Both Villette and Gierhahn said resources such as Headspace, a meditation website, can be provided to students to help destress during these unpredictable times. The two also noted that each course has a Google Classroom section to push out mental health resources the school provides. Additional resources are also available on the school website, such as a positivity journal, a guide on how to practice mindfulness, a challenging negative thoughts section and more. These recourses can be viewed by anyone.

"We are holding on to the fact they will be back eventually. It is something we try to tell our kids because it provides hope," Gierhahn said. "I am glad to be in the building and I can't wait for the kids to come back."

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline says you're not alone. According to the website, the national network provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). People in need can also text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor.