SOS Suicide Prevention Sessions Underway
Over the next few months, the Moeller Counseling Department will be running a program called Signs of Suicide, or SOS. Students will meet with their counselor by class and house to discuss issues surrounding mental health.
The goal of the program is to ensure that if students are suffering or are worried about someone else, they know how to get help. According to the program’s website, “SOS teaches students how to identify signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers, while providing materials that support school professionals, parents, and communities in recognizing at-risk students and taking appropriate action.”
Through the program, Moeller students will learn how to identify depression, recognize potential signs of suicide risk, and understand how to seek help from a trusted adult.
On November 30th, the first SOS session was conducted for Moeller Seniors. Jonathan Daniels took part in the first session and spoke with The Crusader about his experience.
Crusader: What was something new you learned in the session about depression or suicide that surprised you?
Daniels: Something new about depression which surprised me was the fact that many people become depressed due to continuous feeling of anxiety, sadness, and unenthusiasm, which are basic emotions that people feel day to day.
Crusader: What are some helpful takeaways from this seminar?
Daniels: Regularly check in on your mental health, making sure you’re emotionally well. It’s good to know that there are people who are more than willing to help you without any shame. Another takeaway is looking and acting upon these signs if they appear from a close friend.”
Crusader: What should you do if a close friend is experiencing signs of suicide?
Daniels: If a close friend show signs of depression, the best solution is to inform a trusted adult and constantly encourage said friend on their journey for mental recovery.
The next SOS session will take place on December 12th for the sophomore class. The junior and freshman classes will attend sessions in March.