Talk about suicide

High school: full of judging, stress, self-doubt and depression. At my school, one of our counselors put on a presentation that spoke to the topics of suicide and depression. Rumors were everywhere about the subject of the assembly.

Before the presentation, some of my friends were talking about what they had heard. They said they didn’t want to be there. It was an uncomfortable topic. But, isn’t that exactly why we should have this assembly?

Depression and suicide are major concerns. So why don’t we talk about it? Why won’t we say to each other, “You are worth it,” and ask if someone is really, truly okay, instead of avoiding the topic because it’s heavy and it’s hard to talk about it?

I know people with depression. I know a girl who killed herself because it was too hard. Talking about it with someone else makes it so much better. Yes, it’s a heavy subject. Yes, it is so hard to work up the courage to have that conversation. But asking that simple question, and truly talking about might just save someone’s life. I think that’s worth it.

Brenna Nendel

Spokane