Members of the Bridgeport High School Life League Suicide Prevention Program, along with friends and family, walked among the hundreds of people participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk in Morgantown on September 21.  They walked in support of those suffering with mental health issues and in memory of those lost to suicide.  

 

Nearly half of all Americans will suffer a mental illness in their lifetime.  Often a taboo subject, current research shows that having open conversations about emotional and mental health can be very beneficial to the one suffering as well as those around him or her.  Depression and anxiety have increased in recent years, showing no discrimination on those affected. 

Students in BHS Life League Suicide Prevention Program have themed weekly meetings to learn more about how mental health issues affect them personally, as well as friends, family, fellow students and the community at large.  By learning techniques to manage anxiety, depression, gender issues, communication within relationships, and more, the students are better able to navigate the effects of mental health issues they experience during school.

 

After school each Wednesday, many students also attend VENT on the Fourth Floor of the Medical Office Building near United Hospital Center.  Led by a Crisis Manager for the Children’s Crisis Unit, the emotional support group is free, confidential and available to any teenager.  Students learn self-care, coping skills, and what resources are available for those with mental illness.

 

“Walking in the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk was very important to me since we lost my cousin to suicide last year,” said BHS Junior Laney Seech.  “When you are directly affected by mental illness, you want to do everything possible to prevent others from taking that path.”

Like Seech, many students come to school with the weight of trauma caused by mental illness.  By destigmatizing conversations about mental health issues, students are better able to cope and are directed to resources that can help them, which leads to higher academic performance as well.

 

“Walking in the Out of the Darkness Walk helped open my eyes to the how prevalent mental illness is and how it affects all walks of life,” said BHS Junior J.L. Burgess.  “After the walk, we had the opportunity to pass flowers out to people all over Morgantown just to spread joy.  It was such a simple way to spread kindness, but it made a huge impact on us and the recipients.”

 

The BHS Life League Suicide Prevention Program will be sponsoring Safe Talk Suicide Prevention Training at Bridgeport High School on November 7 from 3-6 p.m. in the BHS Library for students and community members interested in learning more about how to recognize signals and offer help to those who are struggling. The training helps people to connect with available resources and learn the most effective methods of interacting with someone who is experiencing a mental health issue.

 

Additional information about the BHS Life League Suicide Prevention Program, VENT, or the upcoming training, contact Trina Runner at trinarunner@gmail.com.