On November 11, Seminole County hosted their first community mental health event titled “STAY: Tomorrow Needs You.” Following the painful loss of three students to suicide in October, students, educators, and families gathered in order to raise awareness and learn more about mental health.

The event was held at Hagerty High, one of the schools affected by a loss. Although specifically aimed at students from Hagerty, Winter Springs, and Lyman, it was open to anyone who wished to attend, and featured a panel of speakers from all sorts of organizations, such as Recovery Connections, University Behavioral Center, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Banyan Treatment Centers. Alongside these foundations was the WSHS chapter of Morgan’s Message, with board members Jack Clark and Kristina Karaivanova representing the organization.

The panel started off by giving brief descriptions of their organizations and their goals, which was then followed by a series of questions submitted by attendees, featuring inquiries ranging from the definition of mental health itself, how to recognize a child is struggling, and ways to start conversations around such a sensitive subject. “STAY: Tomorrow Needs You” proved that “what unites us is the simple truth that we all need care,” as stated by Steven Young at the start of the discussion.

After the mental health conversation, which lasted for two hours, attendees were invited to explore the different organization tables, which had informational brochures, stickers, and even friendship bracelets. They were also encouraged to visit the media center, which had a bracelet-making station, open for anyone who wished to make their own unique beaded bracelet. A group of golden retriever service dogs were also in attendance, available for those who wanted their company.

Student Julianne Parker, who went to the event with a couple friends, expressed her gratitude that events like these are happening, because it shows students “that the support talked about is really there for them and…there are actual people who care about them and want to help in any way they can.” Delsie Reyes said that the event was truly beneficial for her, as it allowed her to “learn about the different resources [her] school has for students struggling with mental health,” and raised her awareness about the signs that a friend might be struggling.

“STAY: Tomorrow Needs You” served as a much-needed reminder for the fact that increased awareness about mental health is necessary, and that it takes a community to come together in order to make change. With events like these, Seminole County hopes that people can truly recognize the support systems available for them, and that the stigma around mental health will slowly decrease, so that even more students can choose to stay and be a part of tomorrow.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, text or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.