Juniors and freshmen at North participated in a Signs of Suicide (SOS) presentation within their English and history classes during November and December to learn about the struggles of depression and mental health challenges. 

“The SOS presentations are helpful because they provide education—in some cases, for 11th graders, a refresher of things to be aware of—and especially if they are concerned about somebody that is thinking about ending their life,” said School counselor Jessica Volmer. 

During the presentations for juniors, counselors projected videos of real-life individuals who have struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide. While Freshmen’s presentations included videos of staged situations. Following the presentations, counselors and students discussed the content of the videos, and students completed a short questionnaire.

Junior Abigail Warren said, “The presentation was helpful and I felt like it was a good refresher on ways to find help when needed.”

The SOS program began in 2013. 

 Volmer said, “There were several suicides between North and South students, and at that time, everyone was rightfully very concerned, very upset, and didn’t want that to ever happen again.”

Volmer added, “Community members and parents and faculty all came together to try to figure out what they could do to make sure it never happened again. They looked at a bunch of different programs and decided on the signs of suicide program.”

Following the presentations, the SOS counselors provide a check-in opportunity for students. Students would then be provided access to clinical staff, school psychologists, and adjustment counselors.

According to school counselor Patrick Manning, SOS provides a platform for students to start conversations about depression and mental health concerns and informs them of resources available for their support. 

“I think change and growth is not going to happen unless we’re able to actually talk about it. So hopefully this provides, if nothing else, the launchpad to have those conversations,” said Manning.

Volmer added that the presentations give students in need a gateway to receive help.

“The event always ends with telling a trusted adult if you need the help, and we want students to do that, and to get help professionally. Also through this event, we want to de-stigmatize mental health struggles because it is far more common than we think, than people realize, and there is treatment that can be helpful,” Volmer said.