It’s OK not to be OK” — BHS suicide awareness assembly
Author: Eliza McLaughlin, Staff Reporter
It’s OK not to be OK” — BHS suicide awareness assembly Eliza McLaughlin, Staff Reporter Captain Nick Rauser of the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Department informed students on the dangers of social media during a Teen Mental Health presentation at the school on Nov. 30.
“It’s OK not to be OK. It’s not OK to not ask for someone to back you up,” a suicide attempt survivor said in a video portion of the presentation.
Throughout the parent presentation, given the night before, the high schoolers heard the message, Rauser emphasized his dedication and care for the children living in Townsend.
“These kids mean a lot to me,” Rauser said, adding that the other members of the Sheriff’s Department care as well.
Rauser’s presentation informed children on the ripple effect that suicide can have and how it prevents people from ever knowing “what their purpose could have been.”
Rauser also informed parents and students of potential warning signs to watch for. Leaving notes, giving items away, making “final arrangements” or acting differently than normal could all be potential signs that someone is in distress.
Throughout the presentation, Rauser emphasized that after seeing these signs or learning of someone’s plans, students tell someone.
“Don’t wait, it will be too late,” Rauser said.
The presentation also covered the topic of staying safe on social media, a resource that almost all high schoolers use.
With social media’s location tracking abilities, Rauser warned that it puts children at risk of falling prey to sex traffickers, especially since social media allows users to pretend to be someone they’re not.
“[Students] need to know the dangers of this stuff too,” he told parents.
Knowing that students won’t delete their social media accounts or get rid of their phones, Rauser encouraged them to find ways to unplug. For him, this meant enjoying the outdoors while hiking, fishing and other recreational activities.
No matter what the reason, Rauser said students can always talk to him or other members of the Sheriff’s Department. They’re there to help.
