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As part of Suicide Prevention Month in September, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is dedicated to emphasizing the significance of mental health and its impact on our students' lives. This summer, the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Mental Health Student Advisory Council had the unique opportunity to attend the 2024 in Charleston, SC. This annual event provides our students a platform to share their experiences and perspectives on mental health.
The council is a diverse group of high school leaders, including student government representatives and athletes. These students are dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. They work to create a supportive, inclusive environment by encouraging open conversations, offering education, and promoting resources to help students prioritize their mental well-being.
"It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your life looks like from the outside—everyone struggles," Grace Scott, a Rock Hill High student and member of the Mental Health Youth Council, said. "If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. You have a bright future ahead, and if you can’t see it, reach out by calling or texting 988 or talking to someone you trust."
Students collaborated to create a video for the Lowcountry Mental Health Conference. The video (add more here about the purpose of the video). Before presenting the video, 17-year-old South Pointe High School senior and varsity football player Ethan McNutt shared his experience.
"Mental health is a big deal for me as a student-athlete," McNutt said. "Balancing school, practice, and personal time is tough, but I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA while working toward a Division I football recruitment."
McNutt reflected on how his season-ending injury affected his mental health. "Tearing my ACL and meniscus was hard physically and mentally," he said. "Sitting on the sidelines was tough, but with the support of my coaches, parents, and friends, I pushed through."
These students are at the forefront of a critical conversation about mental health. Their voices reflect the experiences of many students in our district and highlight the importance of continued dialogue and support.
Dr. Nancy Turner, director of the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Mental Health Department, believes raising awareness around suicide prevention is essential because of a significant increase in mental health issues. She believes it is critical to implement resources that make a difference.
“The old stigma is if you talk about it [mental health], you are going to promote it, but that is not true,” Dr. Turner said. “If you talk about it, it breaks the stigma down, and when people feel more comfortable talking about mental health, a great dialogue can be started.”
Students across the school district will participate in different activities to spark conversations, like wearing green to support mental health awareness and the walk on Oct. 5.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ is proud of these young leaders and their dedication to making a difference in the lives of their peers.
For more information on the mental health resources available in ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, please visit our Mental Health Department page: /Domain/2805.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.