People’s self-esteem can be affected by the environment around them, as well as the people around them. As humans, people tend to care about how others perceive them or even compare themselves to other people. When an overwhelming amount of emotions happen frequently, it could possibly lead to depression and anxiety.  A lot of the time, people are afraid to ask for help. They don’t want to be viewed as “crazy” or “attention seekers.” Or–maybe they are just in denial about everything, wanting to ignore how they feel until it gets too severe. They keep all these emotions to themselves and try to find different ways to numb the pain, like turning to drugs or alcohol, which only leads to more physical problems, such as headaches or body aches. 

Zoey Ortiz, an EHS junior, joined in a Career Center project aimed at promoting greater awareness about suicide, as well as ways of helping prevent it.  After completing the project–which can be seen in the Google Slides below–she notes the following: “Completing this project made me realize that suicide is a such a big and important topic…and no one likes to talk about it.”

Feeling depressed and/or hopeless for prolonged periods of time can lead to more extreme actions, such as suicide. These people may think they aren’t good enough or don’t deserve to be alive. They may even believe that the world would be better off without them. Much of the time, it is difficult to see the warning signs in others. Some people hide their emotions because others rely on them or again don’t want to be viewed as crazy or weak. 

Fellow junior Jamie McCarter adds, “I learned how we, as people, need to be more aware about other people. We never really know what’s going on in their heads.”

When it comes to assisting a suicidal person, it’s critical to understand what they enjoy and what outlets can be used as coping methods. Connecting with the individual is important, both knowing and feeling that someone is supporting them through their hard time. All too often, people feel as if they don’t have anyone to turn to. It’s critical for them to know others understand them and are there for them during this difficult time in their life. It sends the message that someone has their back and that they can heal at their own pace. 

Here is a resource to help better understand suicide, by knowing different risk factors, coping mechanisms, and more: Suicide and Prevention