Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people aged 12-18 years old. According to the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 39.7% of students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.5% had attempted suicide. These numbers show that many teens are struggling internally. Behind every statistic is a real person—someone who felt overwhelmed, alone, or out of options. That person could be a friend, cousin, sibling, etc. That’s why talking about mental health and suicide prevention is so important. The more people understand what others may be going through, the better they can support one another and remind people that help and hope are always possible.
For teenagers, life can feel overwhelming—school, friendships, family pressure, expectations, and social media all pile up quickly. Many students feel like they have to carry everything alone or act like they’re fine even when they’re struggling. Keeping those emotions inside can make things heavier, not easier. Talking openly about mental health helps break the silence and lets students know that it’s okay to not be okay.
Recently, students at Cannon Falls High School attended a suicide awareness presentation, called My Ascension, which focused on the story of Emma Benoit, a former high-achieving student who attempted suicide when she was 16. The program originated in Louisiana, so it was brought through another, more local program to Minnesota, called Aidan’s Light. Many students found the presentation powerful and eye-opening. Senior Kalie Erlanson shared, “I thought the presentation was great. It was very informational and really helped many people see the struggles that she went through at that time.” Eighth grader Lizzie Tipton added, “I think it was a very informative presentation that really brought awareness to the problem.”
Teacher Mrs. Dombeck, who helped bring the presentation to our school, explained why it mattered to her. She said that what struck her most was how Emma looked like “the perfect student” on the outside, yet was struggling silently. Many students do the same—appearing fine while hiding what they’re really going through. Dombeck hoped the film would empower students to ask others if they’re okay, and also feel safe saying when they’re not okay when they need help. She also shared what she hoped students would take away: that everyone comes to school with their own story, even if they don’t show it; she believes school should be the safest and most supportive place students experience. Creating that kind of environment is a team effort between students, teachers, support staff, and everyone in the building.
According to Dombeck, one challenge many students face is feeling pressure to act fine even when they’re not. Social media, phones, and toxic online drama also add extra stress that students carry with them daily. Another challenge is knowing when a normal bad day becomes something that needs attention. That’s why she encourages students to reach out early and talk with an adult who can help them understand what support they may need. High school senior Kalie Erlanson also shared how school could support students better. “Schools could have people checking in with kids for five minutes a day, asking how they are doing. It could really help people who are struggling.” And when it comes to why mental health matters, she said, “It might make them feel less alone and isolated in what they are going through. Keeping things in and not talking about it could affect you. It’s like building blocks—the more you keep it in, the more it’s just going to keep building up, and talking to someone could really help.”
Eighth grader Lizzie Tipton also stressed the importance of discussion: “I think it’s important to talk about mental health because a lot of people underestimate the toll it can take on someone. Recognizing that it’s a problem is very necessary to find help for people who need it.” Mrs. Hoffman, the school counselor, highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment. She explained that everyone has different levels of mental health, and everyone will struggle at some point. Her message to students is simple: ask for help and be kind to one another. Mrs. Dombeck echoed that message, wanting students to know how many resources exist at school. Cannon Falls has a counselor, a social worker who can help with issues outside school, and an on-site therapist students can talk to. She described this as “an absolute gift” and emphasized that our district has made mental health a priority. Her final message was clear: students should reach out to trusted adults—teachers, coaches, counselors—because they are ready to listen and help. If the situation is too big to handle alone, with supporting a friend who is struggling, adults at school are trained to step in and provide support.
No one should have to face their struggles alone. When students and adults alike talk openly about suicide and mental health, they create a safer environment where people feel seen and understood. Supporting each other, checking in, and being willing to listen can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. If someone is struggling, it’s important to reach out, whether that’s to a friend, a family member, a counselor, or another trusted adult. And if the situation ever feels too heavy to handle, help is available 24/7. They can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Everyone’s feelings are real, their voice matters, and their life has value. Even on the hardest days, there is hope, and there are people who want to help them find it.
