Prevention Education
By: Angie Mozqueda
September is Suicide Prevention Month
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING THERE IS HELP DIAL OR TEXT 988 The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The picturesque landscapes of Montana often mask the hidden struggles faced by its youth. Behind the scenic beauty lies a harsh reality - the silent epidemic of youth suicide fueled by the relentless torment of depression and bullying. While the world sees Montana as the "Big Sky Country," the youth here often feel trapped under a dark cloud of despair.
Depression, a menacing adversary, creeps into the minds of young individuals, casting a shadow over their every thought and action. It's not merely feeling sad or blue; it's an overwhelming sense of hopelessness that engulfs their very existence. Imagine waking up every day with a heavy heart, feeling like the weight of the world is resting on your shoulders, and seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. This is the reality for many young people in Montana.
In addition to the insidious grip of depression, the plague of bullying exacerbates the suffering of these vulnerable individuals. The incessant taunts, cruel words, and social alienation create a toxic environment that chips away at their already fragile emotional state. Being constantly belittled and ostracized leads to a profound sense of worthlessness, leaving these young souls grappling with unbearable pain and isolation.
One cannot truly comprehend the depths of despair these young individuals endure unless they have experienced it themselves. The sheer loneliness, the unrelenting despair, and the overwhelming sense of being a burden to others are emotions that cut deep and leave scars that may never fully heal. It's a daily battle, a relentless struggle to find a reason to keep going when everything feels futile.
The impact of youth suicide in Montana reverberates through families, schools, and communities. It leaves behind a trail of shattered dreams and unanswered questions. The loss of young lives to suicide not only leaves a void that can never be filled but also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for support and understanding.
So, what can we do to address this pressing issue? It starts with open, honest conversations. We must create a safe space for young individuals to express their emotions without fear of judgment. Educators, parents, and community leaders must work together to foster an environment of empathy and support. It's crucial to provide accessible mental health resources and establish anti-bullying initiatives that promote inclusivity and kindness.
Furthermore, it is imperative to destigmatize seeking help for mental health issues. We need to emphasize that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. By normalizing conversations around mental health and eradicating the shame associated with seeking help, we can pave the way for a brighter, more hopeful future for Montana's youth. We as a whole need to rally and support our youth and support their ever-changing interests and ideas, understand that not all youth strive to be in FFA or 4H or ranch kids but some dream of being actors, teachers, musicians, and quite honestly maybe some have no dreams at all and that should be OK. Our youth have enough pressure from the world, social media, and their peers why not build them up instead of tearing them down?
The harrowing reality of youth suicide in Montana is a call to action for all of us. It demands our attention, empathy, and unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more supportive environment for our youth. Together, we can strive to be beacons of hope amidst the darkness, offering solace and understanding to those who need it most. Let us stand united in our resolve to combat the scourge of depression and bullying, and to nurture a culture of compassion and resilience for the youth of Montana. How can a mother, father, grandparent, community member, law enforcement, school admin, and everyone in this very small town, how, can you help support prevention efforts? Ask me and I can offer various ways you can help.
Please reach out if you would like to meet with youth and prevention to brainstorm ideas on combating this overwhelming heartbreaking issue that sincerely affects us all. Sadly most communities do not take prevention or suicide prevention seriously until it is too late….Help prevention bring YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health) to our community by writing letters of support or finding out more about this program by meeting with your local prevention specialist: Angie Mozqueda (Certified YAM instructor)
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