It starts with distance — as they decide to stop going out as much, or picking up their phone to see who has texted them. They try getting rid of that emotional attachment people have to them so when they’re gone it doesn’t hurt others as much. Yet, that attachment they try removing from themselves has been building up for the many weeks, months maybe even years they have known you; they can’t break it.

Instead, they break, they hit a wall they can’t get over. But despite hitting that wall they jump over it.

During Suicide Prevention Month students on campus and around the district have been trying to get more students aware of the effects of suicide. Not only that, but Stagg’s Peer Leaders Uniting Students have gone from class to class to raise discussions about the topic. This issue is uncomfortable for most to talk about, but for PLUS teacher Mary Stoner the topic hits close to home. Stoner says when she was in high school a classmate and friend of hers had taken her own life.

“Had those around her been more aware of the indicators for suicide, we might have been able to help her,” Stoner said. “And so I believe it is important for everyone to understand those warning signs.”

She says if no one talks about it how could people become informed that suicide is a real thing, it exist, and the effect of it could impact more people than the one who committed the act. But, how could those be aware of suicide if they don’t look out for the signs? The “I’m just tired” excuses are more than just lies, they’re signs. Maybe that person is just tired, but are they just not showing up to school for the fifth time in a row? Are they just wearing sweaters in 90 degree weather? Or maybe their eyes are droopy and their waste is thinning because they’re just on a new diet. According to National Institute of Mental Health, these are the signs.

The World Psychiatry Association says, out of “90 countries 132,423 deaths of young people, suicide accounted for 9.1%.” An online study from National Institute of Mental Health shows that all it takes is actually listening to someone who doesn’t seem to be acting like him or herself, and hearing them out to reduce the rate of suicidal thoughts. Yet, that doesn’t imply everyone who says they’re tired is contemplating suicide.

Signs a person should look out for is what someone might post and or repost as well as the lack of motivation to do anything, and any marks on one’s body. If someone were to post something around the idea of suicide that would be a red flag.

Noticing a sudden change in their friends’ behavior or even an acquaintance checking their arms is something highly recommended. A person who is on the verge of having thoughts of suicide often looks at self harm as a way to cope with the sadness they may be feeling. The way that person may present the way they say certain things is something to look out for. One who refers to their life as having no purpose, or joking talks about wanting to die isn’t meant to be laughed at but more as a silent cry for help.

A lot of people seem to have trouble talking out how they feel, and others refuse to speak, but that’s the moment when someone takes the time to sit down and just listen.

“If a friend shares a concern with you or that they have or are considering suicide, do not ignore them,” Stoner said.