The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has recently declared that September is Suicide Prevention month. Of course, we should be aware of suicide year round; however, especially with school starting we need to be more conscious of and enlightened about what is many times, the root of why we feel depressed.

You may be stressed, or you may have what one in five youths aged 13-18 have: a mental illness. This is not in any way something to be ashamed of. We go to the doctor when something is wrong with our body. We go to the dentist when there’s something up with our teeth. Why would people put a negative connotation with the word “therapy” or “counseling”? It should be perfectly fine to see a doctor for your feelings. It’s your body, and you’re taking care of it. Many students our age feel like they always have to be “alright,” and that they can’t have a single thing wrong with them. Our fear of getting help needs to end.

Seeing your school counselor is okay, seeing an outside therapist for a long or short period is okay, in fact, not feeling 100-percent is okay. We all have bad days, but we shouldn’t have bad weeks and months, especially if you are feeling alone or depressed. Every single student at LT has his or her own counselor who is always ready to help. In addition to that, we have a social worker for each grade, and a student support counselor at both North and South Campus. The school can also suggest outside student and support groups through Pillars, the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and social services in Chicago. A private therapist outside of school is another option.

Again, people see outside therapy sessions as embarrassing, or even scary. It’s not at all. Never be humiliated by taking the proper steps to take care of your mind. Cost should not be an issue either, because oftentimes insurance covers the cost and it can be state funded. As most of you know, there is also the Speak Up Line, 708-588-7326. It’s an anonymous hotline regarding unsafe behavior and since the students see that behavior on a regular basis, it gives us a chance to make a difference. This is not a crisis hotline, but if you are worried about a friend, classmate or even a random person, call. It’s a safe place to seek help. As many students and teachers know, the Speak Up Line has been seen as a joke in the past, and many people mock it, pretend to call it or say they’re going to call. Kid around about it as much as you want, the Speak Up Line is an amazing resource.

If it becomes more serious than that, and if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention hotline: 800-273-TALK. Do not wait to get help. Direct services are right here at LT, in our community or just a phone call away. Despite the enormous size of our school, we can and should be a tight-knit community. We need to be here for one another, stand up for each other and do what it takes to make sure no one ever feels alone.