Students Will Turn Their Campus Yellow to Provide Hope to Those Who Struggle With Depression

WHAT: Coronado High School is collaborating with the San Diego Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to host a Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Week February 27th thru March 2nd. The week will feature activities and programs designed to promote dialogue on campus about mental health issues and combat the incidence of student suicide. This program is a first-of-its-kind for San Diego County.

WHEN: February 27th – March 2nd

Monday – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Promotion

Students will promote the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis hotline number (1-800-273-TALK) by displaying posters on campus.

Tuesday & Wednesday – Classroom Presentations

Students will view the ground-breaking “More Than Sad Teen Depression” educational film produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This film is designed to educate high school students to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in themselves and others. Students will also hear from a local community member who has lost a loved one to suicide.

Thursday – Positive Messages Project + Campus Resource Fair

Students will post 3,000 positive messages – each on a Post-It Note – around campus to create a supportive environment. A Resource Fair will take place during lunch to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the community-based mental health services available to them. Students will turn their campus YELLOW to provide HOPE to those who struggle with depression.

Friday – Yellow for Hope

Students are asking everyone in the community to wear YELLOW in support of suicide prevention.

WHERE: Coronado High School – 650 D Ave., Coronado, CA 92118

WHY:

• Suicide is the fastest-growing killer of youth in America today.
• Each day more than 1,000 American high school students attempt suicide; 18 of them die.
• 90% of teens who take their own lives were suffering with an underlying mental illness – most often depression – at the time of their death.
• Depression can affect a teen regardless of gender, social background, income level, race, school, or other achievements.
• The lingering stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues is the #1 contributing factor to teen suicide deaths.

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