Throughout fifth period on Oct. 29, Pius X student had the opportunity to learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Russell Koos from Health and Human Services with the division of behavioral health taught students about the importance of reaching out for help when needing support.
“We always encourage them to go see your priest or someone you trust, but if you want to be anonymous then this is a great line,” Koos said.
Koos explained to the students that even if there is nobody they feel that they can go to, this line is completely anonymous and students can go as far into the system as they want to.
“The biggest thing is that someone is able to help that individual right away, direct them to what they need,” Koos said.
Senior Bella Sweeney adds that it’s a real problem that many students may not talk about and it is important to support and help out loved ones.
“I feel like mental health does not get talked about enough, and the awareness needs to be worked on,” Sweeney said. “Maybe some people feel too embarrassed or scared to talk about it.”
Senior Caylee Schlautman claims that is important for Pius X to get visitors like this because they spread awareness to a sensitive, but important subject.
“At the end of the day, having hotlines like this truly does save lives, and it can help make people healthier and happier,” Schlautman said.
