Look around at your peers and friends. Do you know what’s going on in their heads? Would you know if they were struggling? Would someone know if you were? 

Mental health issues are running rampant in our country and our state. It is an undeniable fact. Brandon High School is not immune to these issues, so this month, we are promoting information on mental health and suicide prevention. As always, if you notice someone wanting to make a destructive decision, say something. Any BHS teacher, administrator, or faculty member is open to talk with you about it. If you feel a situation needs to go beyond administration, the suicide hotline number is 988. There is someone on the other side of the phone willing and waiting to speak with anyone about their situation. Beyond talking to anyone, we can start at the source. Students and Alumni alike can be on the lookout for their peers and friends. Looking out for each other’s well-being begins with being kind and spreading encouragement. You never know the impact of asking someone about their day or simply saying hello. At Brandon, our Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Save Promise clubs are already taking steps to “Start with Hello” through “Start with Hello” week is partnered with homecoming week; every dress-up theme was paired with a kind saying or action meant to challenge students to spread kindness. Do not forget that your words affect someone else; whether that effect is positive or negative is up to you.