Every year, we lose more than 720,000 people to suicide and the number grows every year. To let everyone know help is always available there is a suicide hotline you can call or text for free and confidential support. (988) There are multiple support systems set in place at the school.

“Aevidum means “I got your back.” We create a positive and welcoming environment for the school community. We raise awareness for mental health and suicide. We help people who are in need, and creating that positive environment helps them and makes it known that we have their back,” senior Aevidum member Aubrey Snyder said.

Pottsville Area High School is doing a number of things to help students from having mental health problems and suicidal thoughts. Counselors are always available in the school but there are other options. If you are someone who is struggling or know someone who is struggling you can always text Safe2Say, a confidential app that gets you help immediately. The school also requires you to do Rethink Ed, which helps them identify struggling students.

Although suicide is a major crisis, we cannot stop suicide without stopping mental health first. Students, teachers, and our community are trying very hard to lessen the impact mental health has on students. There are very many resources available to those struggling with their mental health and suicidal thoughts. Though, they are only there if you reach out.