Massapequa ninth graders attended sessions on Feb. 9 and 10 that featured an important and empowering presentation focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The program encouraged open conversations, highlighted the importance of looking out for one another and reminded students that support is always within reach.
Kim Hession, social worker at the high school’s Ames Campus, met with students in the library during their math classes. The annual presentation was held in the days leading up to P.S. I Love You Day, a national campaign dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health.
Ms. Hession showed three videos that portrayed teen crisis situations and what steps could be taken to ensure a successful outcome. Ninth graders identified the positive strategies that were used in follow-up discussions.
Students also learned about the ACT approach – acknowledge, care, tell – to support a family member or friend who might need support. Additionally, Ms. Hession shared the crisis hotline number and provided students with referral tickets they could fill out if they wanted an individual appointment with her for further discussion.
“The purpose of these presentations are that students learn warning signs and symptoms,” Ms. Hession said, “and gain skills on how to reach out on behalf of a friend and connect them to help.”
She spoke about the origin and meaning of P.S. I Love You Day, and encouraged students to wear purple on Feb. 13 as a unified showing of support for suicide prevention. After the presentation, ninth graders could take a purple, heart-shaped charm made by the 3D Printing club. The Active Minds club, which Ms. Hession leads along with Alyssa Levine, also made posters to raise awareness.