September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and many San Luis Obispo High School students are feeling the awareness, however, but some may need a brush up of what it is. 

  What is suicide prevention and awareness? Suicide prevention and awareness is when mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors and other allies, and community members unite to inform about suicide and ways that each individual can help to prevent it. 

  One San Luis Obispo community member, Jasmyn Haas, wrote a blog post about suicide and motivational ways of how to get out of the mindset of suicidal thoughts. Haas took the time to reach out to Expressions and share her post: 

  “We wonder why suicide exists, yet we live in a world where only perfection is accepted, asking for help is a sign of weakness, and selfishness is rampant. People pride themselves on being tough, literally like stone… No emotion inside or out.  It’s no wonder people who actually need compassion and love choose to end the world.  I don’t think they want to end themselves instead they want to end how they feel, to end the pressure of not being what the world wants them to be. The truth is we were all created uniquely, NOT perfect, to be able to fit into this puzzle of life, to help support and love each other.  If you are struggling, reach out, if you have been reached out to receive with open arms. One hug might be all it takes to save one heart,” said Haas.

  This blog post along with many others are published and publicized in the month of September with many advocates and allies wishing people would remember this worldwide issue every month. 800,000 people die a year from suicide and that is not okay. September is commemoration of the change and influence all individuals may have. 

  “Mental health is something that I feel is not normally prioritized. With the stress of school, extra curricular activities, and having a social life it’s really easy to forget about your own, or notice it from someone else. If there is anything COVID-19 has taught me, I think that it is okay, and a lot of times vital, to slow down and take a breather for yourself, and once you’re able to, be there for others. Our world is going through a lot nowadays and no one should ever feel selfish or guilty for taking care of themselves,” said senior Amanda Ardantz. 

  When an individual has a personal attachment or close relationship to someone with a suicidal situation it may change a life in an instant. If oneself or anyone in close proximity is debating suicide, reach out, call a hotline, call 911, and most importantly RAISE AWARENESS! 

Suicide Resources & Anonymous Hotline: 

Sources: 

Suicidepreventionlifeline.org 

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