Fifteen years and one day ago, I was your typical teenage girl. I didn't have a care in the world. My biggest concern was whether my crush liked me or not.
Fifteen years and one day ago, I went to a birthday party on the beach. We played beach volleyball - I was terrible. We went swimming. The birthday boy lent me a towel and tried to teach us how to use an axe to chop wood for the bonfire. He was a little disappointed that more people hadn't come to his party, but it was still a day filled with laughter and friendship.
Fifteen years and one day ago, we made plans to leave the beach. I hugged the birthday boy briefly and we agreed to meet at a friend's house that evening. I got horribly lost and by the time I got there and he wasn't there, I figured I'd just see him in school on Monday.
Fifteen years ago, I received a phone call that changed my world. "Courtney, Andrew killed himself last night." I thought it was a mean joke. I expected to hear Andrew's voice in the background say that they were just kidding. As tears streamed down my face, the word suicide kept playing in my mind over and over and over again. I had had very little experience with death up until that point; I didn't know how to react.
Fifteen years ago, I couldn't comprehend how my funny, smart, compassionate, hilarious friend could be in so much pain that he would leave us like this. I vowed to try to keep this from happening to anyone else. For two years, my friends and I put on a "Suicide Prevention Week" at my high school to raise awareness about teenage suicide and provide resources for those who needed it. I volunteered with the Orange County chapter of Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention and spoke at other high schools about my friend Andrew Holder.
Fifteen years ago, I learned the importance of understanding the symptoms of depression and the warning signs for suicide. I became better at asking people how they are and really listening to the answer. I began checking in with that one friend or acquaintance who expressed worrisome thoughts or feelings. I refused to let family and friends withdraw when life got tough. I learned how absolutely necessary it is to really be there for one another.
This week is Suicide Prevention Week. Saturday is World Suicide Prevention Day. Take this time to reach out to the people around you. Listen. Love. Connect.
If you yourself are struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts - reach out for help (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK). Please remember that you are NOT alone; you are loved and you are important.
Fifteen years and one day ago, I went to a birthday party on the beach. We played beach volleyball - I was terrible. We went swimming. The birthday boy lent me a towel and tried to teach us how to use an axe to chop wood for the bonfire. He was a little disappointed that more people hadn't come to his party, but it was still a day filled with laughter and friendship.
Fifteen years and one day ago, we made plans to leave the beach. I hugged the birthday boy briefly and we agreed to meet at a friend's house that evening. I got horribly lost and by the time I got there and he wasn't there, I figured I'd just see him in school on Monday.
Fifteen years ago, I received a phone call that changed my world. "Courtney, Andrew killed himself last night." I thought it was a mean joke. I expected to hear Andrew's voice in the background say that they were just kidding. As tears streamed down my face, the word suicide kept playing in my mind over and over and over again. I had had very little experience with death up until that point; I didn't know how to react.
Fifteen years ago, I couldn't comprehend how my funny, smart, compassionate, hilarious friend could be in so much pain that he would leave us like this. I vowed to try to keep this from happening to anyone else. For two years, my friends and I put on a "Suicide Prevention Week" at my high school to raise awareness about teenage suicide and provide resources for those who needed it. I volunteered with the Orange County chapter of Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention and spoke at other high schools about my friend Andrew Holder.
Fifteen years ago, I learned the importance of understanding the symptoms of depression and the warning signs for suicide. I became better at asking people how they are and really listening to the answer. I began checking in with that one friend or acquaintance who expressed worrisome thoughts or feelings. I refused to let family and friends withdraw when life got tough. I learned how absolutely necessary it is to really be there for one another.
This week is Suicide Prevention Week. Saturday is World Suicide Prevention Day. Take this time to reach out to the people around you. Listen. Love. Connect.
If you yourself are struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts - reach out for help (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK). Please remember that you are NOT alone; you are loved and you are important.
