Burlingame made an increased effort to raise awareness around Suicide Prevention Month this year, marking the first school-wide initiative since returning from the pandemic, and the first time the wellness counselors and the counseling department collaborated together to organize activities.

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, representatives from the National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) attended lunch, in partnership with Burlingame staff, to run an activity in recognition of the month. The event offered an informational table with resources, raised awareness on suicide prevention and promoted a suicide prevention walk for students to sign up for that will take place on Oct. 14.

“The walk kicks off about 10:30 am on Oct. 14 but all the festivities start at 9 a.m.. Music, community partner tables, sponsor tables, food, there is something for everyone,” NAMI representative Jill Johnson said.

Johnson, who is in charge of all volunteers for the prevention walk, added that they already have around 100 volunteers and are actively building a team of Burlingame students to represent the Panther community, with the larger goal of raising mental health awareness among high schoolers.

At the same time, the counseling departments led an activity for students to write inspirational messages on post-it notes, which will be displayed on the school bulletin board. 

“We are also bringing awareness to the counseling and wellness teams that we’re here for you,” said Traci Kreppel, a school counselor who helped to organize Wednesday’s event. “So at the lunchtime event, kids might not come to the counseling office or the counselors, but then they’ll see us in a different environment. They’ll be able to see we’re not really scary and want to build comfort.”

The wellness and counseling departments at Burlingame understand the many stressors that high school students face everyday and are actively attempting to support students.

“Academic pressure is at the forefront of our students,” said wellness counselor Christina Cabrera. “Oftentimes there’s a challenge in finding balance around academic obligations and activities that students are also connected to, whether it’s sports on campus or sports through private groups.”

Students feel the immense support and effort that the wellness team and counselors are putting forth.

“I feel like the staff does a good job of checking in with you, even if it’s subtle, but they’re always looking out for you,” sophomore Paige Altbaier said.

Cabrera emphasized that Burlingame provides many resources for students on campus, including four full-time wellness counselors, a QR code that includes various nationwide and local resources for crisis support and a bulletin board outside of A134 where hotlines are posted. 

“At the end of the day, I really hope for student engagement and awareness,” Cabrera said. “I’m hoping that we can remove the stigma around suicide awareness. I think it’s such an important topic that we need to know what we can do for someone who is struggling, even if it’s supporting them, connecting to an adult on campus, or giving them a connection through a resource like a hotline.” 

Burlingame’s wellness counselors and counseling department are hopeful that the awareness that September’s Suicide Prevention Month brought to campus and the collaborative event for students helped to start a conversation, reduce stigmas and promote healing while providing support and offering help to those who need it.

“The purpose it to allow students to not be scared to talk about suicide and their feelings,” academic counselor Carla Renzi said. “And to know the signs because students see a lot now on social media with people posting things.”