“When the weight of the world feels too heavy, remember that you don’t have to carry it alone—help is just a conversation away.” There are so many ways you can get help with your mental health, even at your very own school. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During this time, we celebrate this because there are so many people who struggle with their mental health. We want people to know that it is okay to struggle and that they are not alone. 

In the youth service center at BGJHS, the staff tries to make the school a safe and comfortable environment. They provide mental health services for students who can’t get therapists. They also plan school-wide awareness events so students are aware when they or a friend needs help.

Mrs. Beasley-Brown, a staff member who works in the youth service center at BGJHS, told us some signs that students should look to know that they are struggling with their mental health. “They might feel kind of sad or tired and don’t have the motivation to do simple things like take care of themselves,” confirmed Mrs. Beasley-Brown. “There might also be things that are going on with their lives that make their hearts hurt. Like, for example, the loss of a pet or family member, they could also be experiencing an unhealthy amount of constant stress.”

Adults in your school want to make sure you feel comfortable approaching them about your mental health. “They should know that everyone in this building is here because we love you all and we want you guys to have an amazing experience here at the junior high. We want them to know that it’s okay to need help, and we are here to help them,” said Mrs. Beasley-Brown.

“As we’ve seen, help is just a conversation away—reminding us that no one needs to carry the weight of the world alone.”