You Are Not Alone at

Editorial by Jess Berry 

Due to the recent tragedy that fell on our Falcon family, we want to spread the word about the importance of mental health and resources for you and your peers if you are struggling. 

Chad Winters is our mental health professional here at CVHS. He can be found in the counseling office. Mr. Winters is here to provide mental health services and crisis management to staff and students. Many students lean on him for support. Going to him is a great option if you are struggling with day-to-day life. It is such a blessing to have him because not every high school has a therapist that a student can go to. Talking to your school counselor is also very beneficial. 

Our CVHS staff and the school administration are an awesome resource for mental health support! It can be intimidating if you are feeling alone and hopeless, but it is very important to reach out to an adult you trust if you are dealing with suicidal thoughts. Our teachers even have some training in suicide prevention. 

One of the most important resources for suicidal thoughts is that when we hear something, we need to say something. Having a friend tell you that they are suicidal can be scary and overwhelming, but the best thing that you can do is be a friend and watch out for our fellow peers. Some symptoms of suicidal thoughts are: talking about wanting to die, or “killing themselves”; they may mention killing themselves and making plans to do so; there may be an increase or decrease in sleeping and eating; withdrawing from social activities; starting to not take care of personal hygiene; feeling anxious, irritable, and agitated; persistent depression; as being numb and not interested in the things they enjoy. 

If a friend is having these symptoms, there is a tool called “word of mouth.” This is where anyone who is concerned about a person or themselves gives a referral to Mr. Winters or any other counseling staff at CVHS. Mr. Winters commented, “I get a lot of mental health referrals through concerned friends, peers, teachers, parents, and support staff. They are welcome at any time to come to the counseling center and give a referral to me or any other counselor about concerns they have, either for themselves or someone they believe may be in crisis or struggling.”

Technology is an amazing and easy way to let someone know that you or a friend needs help. There is an app called Safe UT. This app allows students to notify CVHS of concerns about other students. There are also many phone numbers with mental health professionals ready to talk on the other line in times of need. They are as follows: National Suicide Helpline, 988; 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for a referral for mental health treatment; Trans Lifeline, 1-877-565-8860; The Trevor Project LGBTQ Helpline, 1-866-488-7386; Vetrans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255; National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); National Runaway Safeline, 1-800-786-2929.