Nearly 19% of high school students have seriously contemplated suicide, according to the Jed Foundation.
Nineteen percent!

That translates to almost 1 in 5 adolescents, which includes our school peers.

Despite the widespread nature of these challenges, however, a stigma continues to surround mental health, which prevents many students from reaching out for help.

In an effort to raise awareness for mental health, students of all grades flooded North Atlanta’s stadium with purple for the October 19th football game.

The purple represents hope, support, and encouragement, all of which are important parts of the solution towards mental health issues.

Mental health issues stem from pressure. Whether it’s from parents, friends, or schoolwork, such pressure should be taken seriously. It is not embarrassing to talk to a counselor or to take a break from homework for a night.

When placed on the other side of the very serious issue of mental health, try to be the friend who asks if someone is truly okay and follow up with people if they say they’re feeling depressed. Small exchanges of kindness may not mean much to you, but they could mean the difference between life and death for someone else.

Don’t just wear purple to advocate for better mental health. Go out into the world and make it a reality.