E.D.U.C.A.T.E Club is running an event Sept. 19-23 called Start with Hello.

“Start with Hello is an organization created by parents whose children were victims to a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut,” Dori Kelly said.

Social isolation is one of the main personality traits found in school shooters and in people who have committed suicide.

“It is important to build connections between students,” Zinnia Allen said. “Start with Hello is also about learning how to reach out to each other.”

Story Johnston said, “Start with Hello also helps boost school spirit and inclusivity. School houses already do that, but this includes people who aren’t in your house.”

Start with Hello is also made for including students within the school who may feel like they don’t belong with everyone else.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Youth suicide is not recognized enough in society. Adults and parents commonly believe that young adults cannot feel suicidal or have depression because they are haven’t, “experienced the world yet.”

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic, everyone has been socially isolated from each other. The effects of this can be extreme stress, extreme social anxiety around others, depression, mood swings, and mental disorders. These are all serious issues that can lead to suicide, addiction, substance abuse, or self-harm. The suicide rate in America has raised over 40% since 2000.

Young adults are vulnerable to suicide, and the suicide rate is highest between teens and young adults. Some people feel like they do not belong with everyone else and that can also lead to them ending their life. Young adults who identify as LGBTQIA+ are more prone to suicidal thoughts as opposed to their heterosexual peers. Indigenous native youth have the highest suicide rate out of all other races. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people in between the ages of 10-14.

People who have been bullied, attempted suicide in the past, lack access to mental health care, have family issues, childhood emotional neglect, major relationship losses, mental disorders, and been discriminated against are at an increased risk for suicide.

If you ever notice someone distancing themselves from everyone, giving away valuable items, sudden change in mood or appearance, doing things that put themself in danger, lashing out, or joking about suicide, that may be a sign that they are going to end their life. Please look out for your loved ones. Small actions can have an influence in someone’s life. If you see someone that is alone, include them. Everyone should feel like they belong somewhere.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and other mental disorders, talk to someone. A little bit of help could go a long way. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. There are also suicide hotline numbers on the back of your school ID’s. Do not struggle in silence, reach out for help.