Suicide Awareness Week

Suicide Awareness Week, lasting from September 8-12, is a week dedicated to raising awareness of those struggling and suffering from thoughts of suicide. Brea Junior High’s counselors have planned events to raise awareness of these people.

This week is for suicide prevention and to inform others about the warning signs of it. Those suffering from this mental health crisis tend to have these thoughts because of the people that surround them. For example, at school, students might be bullied and harassed by others. Additionally, the parents of the victim could be neglectful toward them. The effect of this could be that the targeted student will feel like they aren’t worth anything and feel they should disappear off the face of the Earth. 

To help prevent this, you can talk to and check in with them. Make an effort to make them feel wanted and include them in activities. If you feel this way, you can talk with a school counselor. If all else fails, you can Text-a-Tip about the student suffering from depression. You can locate the Text-a-Tip poster on the school website or in classrooms. Remember: you are important for the prevention of suicide and important in general.

Interview with Mr. Penilla:

Q: Why is suicide awareness important?

A: “Suicide Prevention Awareness matters because it reminds us to look out for each other and know that it’s always okay to ask for help. We never know what anyone is working through on the inside, so we use this time to inform and let everyone know that they are not alone.” 

Q: What events are you planning for Suicide Awareness Week?

A: “We have a couple of activities planned for the week. The first is a "Chalk Walk" featuring positive affirmations and drawings done by students, the second is a "Spin the Wheel" activity that will reward students with a prize for answering questions related to Suicide Prevention Awareness, and the last is a "Chain of Kindness" that will be created with students throughout campus.”