For some teens, going to a teacher or even a counselor can be really difficult, especially when it’s about their personal, out-of-school, life. However, at Bear River, teachers and staff encourage students to come to them for help, no matter what it’s about. They understand that it can be hard and that it may not feel they are there, but the staff wants everyone to know that they are there to support them.

Bear River’s Psychologist Vicky Stanton gave some information on what teachers can do so they can help students.

“The school provides suicide awareness instruction as part of health class,” she said. “[We] conduct ‘What’s Up Wellness’ checkups annually.”

English teacher Toby Barmeyer had similar sentiments to Mrs. Stanton.

“I definitely make it apparent that I’m open to talking to students about their problems and feelings,” she said. “I have the Suicide Prevention cards visible on my desk and I have the ‘Self-Care Checklist’ on my desk as well.”

Some students on campus thank the teachers for how much they help and want other students to know that it will be okay, like Junior Amber Bell.

“I remember in my freshman year that I went to counseling in the office and it helped me with my anger a lot,” she said. 

However, some are worried that they don’t believe the staff can truly understand what they’re going through.

“No one can ever understand how someone else is feeling, not even teachers,” said Sophomore Hannah Ingle. “Some teachers are not very helpful.”

Junior Skye Tyler felt strongly about why she believes talking about it could be detrimental to students.

“Sometimes narking on the students may make it more dangerous,” she said. “I had a friend who was going through a lot of suicidal thoughts, and the involvement [in] telling her family… did not go well.”

Ms. Stanton helped explain why this is how they must go about some issues.

“It very much depends on the student and the situation,” she said. “[T]he counselors and I have all been trained on suicide intervention practices, and take any reference to suicide very seriously.”

Some staff members have a similar viewpoint on how they should help these students, like Librarian Jessica Dax.

“If something serious comes up and I think a student needs help,” she said. “I go to the counselors on what I should do next.”

The entirety of the staff are here to help, and they want all of the students to know that whatever the problem may be, they are trained and certified.

“Talking to others can be one of the beginning steps towards positively impacting their lives instead of keeping their feelings bottled up.” Ms. Barmeyer said. “I want students to think positively about creating solutions that are beneficial for them, and not think of negative “solutions” to their problems.”

Ms. Stanton explained her thoughts on how to get better.

“This is such a sensitive topic and I want students to know that we care and support them,” she said. “Please reach out to us, or if you have a friend you are worried about, please talk to the counselors, to me or to any trusted adult on campus and we will follow up with you or your friend.”

Ms. Dax had a few words of wisdom for students that are struggling.

“It gets better, I promise,” she said. “It really does get better.”

If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, please do not be afraid to tell our wonderful staff members, they are here for you and it gets better. It always gets better, and do not forget that you are not alone, and they are so many others just like you.