Every September is used as suicide awareness month. Suicide is considered a sensitive subject for many people. Suicidal thoughts and actions can be caused by a variety of mental health conditions which include depression, depersonalization, PTSD (post traumatic disorder), and anxiety. There are also other causes that may make a person think to commit suicide, such as traumatic experiences, death of a loved one, stress, and even social media. 

Suicide rates have continued to go up in recent years. In 2020, 45,900 people committed suicide, making it the 12th cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) stated that 20% of high school students reported thoughts of suicide and 9% reported an attempt to suicide. 

Students around West Covina High spoke out about mental illness and what should be done to address it. 

Senior Nicole Wise stated, ”There should be more inclusivity on mental illness as it’s not only depression and anxiety affecting people, but also conditions such as derealization which isn’t talked about enough.”

A contributing factor to a rise in thoughts of suicide is the lack of resources to mental health services. According to another study done through NAMI, “Nearly half of the 60 million adults and children living with mental health conditions in the United States go without any treatment.” This means that almost 50% of people with mental health issues often do not have the skills or tools to deal with unresolved trauma, feelings of anger or disillusionment, or other leading causes of suicide. Some schools and workplaces are looking to fill that gap, offering mental health services within the school day for free.

During the 2021-2022 school year, West Covina High School opened the Wellness Center in building K-3, with the goal to support students who are in need of a break from the overwhelming school life and or struggling with their mental health. Mental health has been a taboo topic for years, but students and staff are pushing to make a change to let students know they are not alone. Jennifer Sun, the Wellness Center’s adviser, is hopeful about the program’s potential to help WCHS students make it through rough mental stages.

“Hopefully we can bring more awareness. I am starting a peer tutoring program to partner with a student to check in with them every month if they need to talk to somebody or if they need any help”. 

These are one of the few steps that West Covina High School is taking to help students face mental illness and bring more awareness to the problem. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any signs of mental illness, do not hesitate to reach out for help whether it is talking to an adult, a friend, going to the wellness center, or calling the suicide prevention hotline.

Resources:

Suicide prevention hotline: Dial 988 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1(800) 662-4357

National Sexual Assault hotline: 1(800) 656-4673