Yellow is the Warmest Color

Photo by Katie Lips (Flickr)

From September 6 to the 12, also known as Suicide Prevention week, is dedicated to bringing awareness to suicide, depression and other mental illnesses, as well as the signs that one should look out for in order to detect these illnesses. Besides bringing awareness to this struggle, Suicide Prevention week strives to end the stereotype of suicidal people, and the topic in general such as the idea that all mentally ill people can never be happy, and that people define them by their illness. The week aims to gain recognition for suicidal people, and recognize these mental illnesses in general.

Pinnacle High School (PHS), along with many other high schools, held a Suicide Prevention week. On Thursday, September 10th, PHS held a yellow out for the cause, and to get students involved and aware of the issue, as well as to show their support for students who previously thought of attempting suicide. For bringing awareness, yellow represents suicide. Originally, the color yellow associates with “The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program,” a program dedicated to addressing the issue of child, teen and young adult suicide, mostly of the ages 10- 25.  While wearing yellow, student government created a poster filled with positive messages, so that students can pass on the notes to others or keep for themselves.  This was called the “Take What You Need and Give What you Can” poster, which many students supported and encouraged.

Studies show that for the past 45 years, the rate of suicide increased by 60 percent. The third leading cause of death in persons aged 12-24 suicide, and continues to rise. Many factors contribute to this, mainly because of technology, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Death rates among young people continue to rise to an alarming high, and are continuing to increase, as teens are slowly but surely becoming one of the highest risk groups. Social media contributes highly to teen suicide because of how simple it is to anonymously bully people, and since education only becomes  more vigorous, many teens become  stressed and more depressed, leading to suicide. With the rise  of teen suicide, conversations and support groups continue to become  available for suffering people, and Suicide Prevention week is one of many ways to show the support of many people.

When asked with,” What does suicide prevention week mean to you?”, many did not have much to say, but some share heartwarming stories.

“Suicide Prevention week is important to me because, in my past, I have had friends who have had suicidal tendencies, and this is a week where I can show support and love for my friends," says Jane Doe.*

           With the high rise of suicide among teens, suicide prevention week allows teens to become more aware of this issue and helps students become active in assuring friends and family that they are not alone,  in turn are preventing suicide.  Suicide rose to the third highest risk of death among teens, and while still rising, bringing awareness to the situation helps young adults feel more safe and comfortable to talk to people about their struggles, and hopefully help end suicide once and for all.

-Brianna Cajic, Public Relations

*Anonymous name