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By Rebecca Pipkins
Special to the Demopolis Times

The Demopolis High School Peer Helpers are raising awareness about the importance of teenage mental health through a suicide awareness and prevention campaign.  We live in a world where, when asked “How are you?” most people say they are “fine.”  The reality is much different.  Our peer helpers, Joanna Contreras, Praiseous Ellis, Maddie Holley, Maria Miranda, and Brian Summerville, are creating a campaign to make a difference to all of their peers.  Our slogan is “Demopolis strong, together we belong; reach out, stay safe, and keep holding on.” 

Discussion of teenage mental health is often a taboo topic, but shoving feelings under the rug makes the situation worse.  The peer helpers at DHS wish to not only raise awareness but also erase the stigma of getting much needed help.  They have created “compassion kits” for students who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health crisis.  These kits contain vital access to emergency numbers, breathing and calming exercises, stress-reducing activities, stress balls, and self-esteem boosting reminders.  These kits are going to be located outside of our counselors’ offices for any student who may have need of them. These compassion kits will be available for students the week following spring break. 

One student lost is one too many.  Suicide is a preventable death; the DHS peer helpers want to do everything in our power to prevent even one student from getting lost in unimaginable thoughts.  It is not just something that happens elsewhere.  According to Mental Health America, the state of Alabama ranks number 14, with 19.41% of youth with at least one past year major depressive episode.  Alabama ranks number 10, with 7.82% of youth with a substance use disorder.  Tragically, Alabama ranks number 21, with 13.23% of youth with serious thoughts of suicide.  This is PREVENTABLE, so what can we all do?

First, we can all start really conversing with one another.  With all of today’s technology, we are more connected than ever, but we have never been so disconnected emotionally.  Emojis are not emotions; human beings need connections.  Talk with one another; have meaningful conversations with the teenagers in your life.  Let them know you care about them and their feelings.  Listen…we know it is hard, but really listen.  Every human being yearns to really be heard, but teenagers are particularly vulnerable.

Know the warning signs.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the warning signs of suicidal ideology are discussing shame or guilt, talking about death, or being a burden to others.  Feeling hopeless, trapped, sad, agitated, angry are also warning signs.  Notice changing behaviors such as withdrawing from friends or family, taking unnecessary risks, mood swings, eating or sleeping more or less, and abusing alcohol or drugs.  These are things to notice; please discuss any of these behaviors you observe with your teenager or youth.  If you decide the teenager needs help, know where to go.

The West Alabama Mental Health Center has great resources to help with those struggling.  Their phone number is 334-289-2410.  In any case of emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.  Mental Health is so important.  In a world where we often feel helpless because we cannot control our circumstances, we can do so much to protect the mental health of our precious youth.  One is one too many.

 

Rebecca Pipkins is the English Department Head at Demopolis High School.