Teachers planning talks and events to raise suicide awareness and provide resources
Tomorrow, during the first seven minutes of break, all Wenatchee High School students will be asked to stay in class to listen to their teachers talk about suicide awareness/prevention. Students will also receive pamphlets that will answer common questions and list steps of prevention, as well as provide resources to contact for more information.
French teacher Jon Magnus and journalism teacher Dave Riggs are spearheading an effort to create more awareness about suicide and depression at Wenatchee High School.
“We have had tremendous support from our principal,” Riggs said. “(Eric) Anderson has been really supportive, as have the counselors and many others.”
After the teachers read a five-minute script to their classes tomorrow, the students will have the opportunity to talk to their teachers if they need to. Students will also receive a handout that they can keep as a resource.
On Oct. 9, there will be another suicide/depression awareness event, called Be The Light, prior to the Wenatchee-Eastmont at the Apple Bowl. About two hours prior to the football game beginning, students and staff are welcome to meet at the track and then walk. Everyone will eventually walk down to the Apple Bowl together. T-shirts and glow sticks will be distributed to walk participants.
There have been 21 suicides in the Chelan-Douglas county area since Jan. 1, Riggs said. Two WHS students took their lives during the 2014-15 school year.
“We want to send a positive message that each person can make a difference here in the valley, and that just a simple ‘Hey I noticed you aren’t yourself lately,’ can make a difference. You can be the light and make a difference in someone’s life.”
Amanda Post • Sep 24, 2015 at 11:07 am
Being a suicide survivor of a Mother who felt it was her only option I am so happy to see you guys taking action and doing this for the students. By educating them and helping bring awareness hopefully they can pass it on to their loved ones. It is so sad to think that someone is so down that taking their own life is the only way they feel they can get away. With more awareness and known available help we could save so many lives. No one should ever feel that suicide is the only option, we all hit dark times but there is no problem to big that can’t be overcome with a little bit of help. If you see a person going thru a hard time lift them up, let them know that you are there for them, if possible try and help them conquer their tough time and become stronger. What you guys are doing is awesome and I hope that with this it can save lives. Thank You
Carol Straight • Sep 23, 2015 at 6:13 pm
As a parent who lost a son to suicide I am very happy to hear that Wenatchee High School is openly discussing such a difficult subject. My hope is for young and older adults to fully understand the implications of those that are left behind and come to realize that suicide doesn’t solve any problems, just creates so many more. Struggles and challenges that seem enormous at the time are always solvable. Always. We can’t go back and have our son Spencer back, but if we can save just one child, one parent from the excruciating pain we endure, still daily, it is worth putting ourselves out there. Please remember, sometimes there are no signs, please remember there is no script that is followed exactly as the experts say. Every child is different and every situation is different, yet the end results are always the same when suicide is involved. Heartache and pain.
Wm (Santah) Higgins • Sep 23, 2015 at 4:21 pm
Great focus! And, we need more of it. As a suicide survivor, I have learned in the most difficult way that we just keep our eyes and ears open to the needs of others.
This Saturday, September 26, there is a community walk, The Out Of The Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. It is at Walla Walla Point Park with registration at 9 and the walk at 10. For additional info, call me at 509-681-4425. Be blessed!
Rosanne • Sep 23, 2015 at 12:37 pm
I am so thankful you are doing this! There are those of us in the Wenatchee community who have been recently discussing needing to do something toward suicide prevention. Please continue doing this until everyone hears the message. Can there be a reach out to the community as a whole? This summer I lost two young friends to suicide, and another attempt this weekend. Please do all you can!
Thank you.