Counselors Lead Suicide Prevention Walk to Raise Awareness

The Upper School Counseling Department has the goal of increasing our community’s awareness of mental health issues, decreasing stigma and equipping students with the skills and strategies they need to lead healthy lives. We offer this education through our LifeKit curriculum discussing stress, mental health disorders, coping strategies and access to help. We have also partnered with Elyssa’s Mission to increase depression awareness, the National Alliance on Mental Illness to increase mental health awareness and Prevention Education Solutions to educate students about substance use prevention. Another aim we have is to erase the stigma associated with mental health challenges. 

On Monday, the Upper School hosted its second annual Suicide Prevention Walk to raise awareness and erase the stigma surrounding suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 through 14. We know the impact of suicide on the lives of the person’s family members, friends and community is devastating, and the loss is enormous. We shared this message: “Let’s come together as a community to prevent suicide and remind everyone that hope and healing are possible!”

At 11 a.m., during Cabinet/Club/Affinity Group time, we first created posters in the Small Gym and then left to walk around the neighborhood with our signs in tow.

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and is in need of support, please contact a trusted adult and/or reach out to the suicide and crisis mental health hotline at 988. 

Click here for photos.