The Pandemic of the Decade

Suicide and depression are growing at a rapid rate. They are a big problem among teens and young adults, including students at South.

Robin Roe, nurse,  said Suicide Awareness Week is very important at South. It’s important that kids know there is help here and everywhere around them.

But some think South isn’t doing much to help. K-anna Ford, a freshman, said she thinks the counselors or social worker should go around the classes to help spread awareness and give out helpful ways the students could help their friends.

Many things are being done South to spread awareness. South have lots of people to talk to: counselors, teachers, parents and the students. To help spread awareness, South has suicide awareness week, SOS day, trained teachers/staff and information for parents. 

Damian Douglas, a freshman, had a lot to say about the topic.

“It’s a plague that needs to stop,” Douglas said.

The signs for depression and suicide vary among students. Traci Dorrell, counselor, said that everyone is different and shows everything differently.

Some of the more common signs of depression or suicidal student are withdrawal, not wanting to participate and grades going down. Some of the more overlooked signs are the changes in behavior which are thought to be a “teen thing” (mood swings) rather than something being wrong.

It takes a lot of courage to get help. Max Paine, a freshman, said not many people want to get help because they think they can help themselves. 

Ford said people don’t ask for help from their friends because they make them feel uncomfortable and made fun of. 

“Don’t be afraid to get help. It’s not as easy as you think to help yourself,” Paine said.

Dorrell urges students to talk to someone. Talk to a friend, a teacher or any of the staff at South. There’s always help. Friends of the student that is struggling know something’s wrong but don’t want to tell someone in fear of ruining their friendship.

There are lots of things you can do to help your friends. Waylon Wright, a freshman, said to talk them through their struggles, help in any way possible. Don’t make them feel self-conscious about it. 

Always get help. If you’re scared of talking to a friend, talk to a teacher or a counselor; South has all kinds of resources for you. 

“Talk to someone…nothing is too big to not get over,” Dorrell said.