In recognition of September being Suicide Prevention Month, Campo students have been vocal with their opinions surrounding mental health awareness on campus. Suicide Awareness Month is a time to bring attention to mental health struggles and let people know they are not alone.

Mental health awareness has recently become a heavily covered issue as more and more public figures have come out and shared their experiences. In addition, schools have also worked to de-stigmatize talking about mental health. In terms of Campo, there is a new Wellness Center with various improved resources for students.

The question is, what else can be done to make students feel seen, heard, and supported? Especially at the beginning of the school year, getting back into the swing of things can be overwhelming and stressful at times.

Senior Maddie Maestre said, “I do think there is still more that can be done, like spreading awareness and continuing to normalize mental health. I think there is still a lot of stigma around mental health and even going to the Wellness Center in general. I know friends who have gone to the wellness center and gotten questions from their friends or even teachers– there is a little judgment.”

Stigma is one of the main reasons that many people are afraid to reach out for help.

Freshman Isabelle Porcella answered, “I think Campo’s support of mental health is better than what was offered in middle school because there are more options and places to go. However, there are also some added problems because high school is stressful.”

Junior Sophie Levy added, “I think the competitive academic culture gets very intense and can interfere with student mental health, especially for upperclassmen because college stress can be a lot.”

As Campo is both an academically and athletically rigorous school, many students feel the pressure, especially upperclassmen who have numerous APs to study for and the looming threat of college applications. This gives our community even more reason to regularly talk about mental health.

Junior Ali Maguy said, “I think it can be hard for many people to seek help for their mental health issues because they don’t want to appear like they are struggling in any way, especially in front of their peers.”

September brings awareness to suicide prevention, but the topic is necessary to acknowledge every month.

The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8.