For hybrid academy, the “new normal” is similar to everyday plans

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Every year, mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. One local high school counselor, Kristin Kuczera of NexTech High School of Grand Rapids, is working to make an impact in the lives of her students and beyond. 
“People consider suicide for a variety of reasons and at the root of it, many of these individuals are struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse or other mental health disorders,” says Kuczera, licensed school counselor, who has worked in schools for more than 7 years. “It is important to recognize the signs of suicide so that you or someone you care about can get the help they need. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

Kuzcera’s role as the school counselor at NexTech Grand Rapids is to support students who may be struggling in any way, including those with thoughts of suicide or self-harm. She is also able to provide support and resources to families. 

Kuzcera points parents, friends, fellow educators and students to a number of local resources:

• Network 180 is a one-stop-shop for mental health care in Kent County and connects families to resources. To learn more about Network 180, visit https://www.network180.org/en/. 

• Arbor Circle is an organization that specializes in providing resources for youth in a variety of capacities, especially youth experiencing homelessness. To learn more about Arbor Circle, visit https://arborcircle.org. 

• Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan/be.nice promotes mental health awareness and preventing suicide through education. To learn more, visit https://www.benice.org 

For students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are struggling with depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide, the Grand Rapids Pride Center provides a variety of groups and resources specifically for youth. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Pride Center visit https://grpride.org. 

“People who are talking about suicide are most often crying out for help. Once someone who has decided they will attempt usually stop talking about it,” says Kuczera. “This is why it is very important to ask questions and talk to someone when they express thoughts of suicide.”

National resources are also available to help those struggling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and can be reached by calling 800-273-8255. Those seeking help can also text TALK to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, where individuals can text with a trained crisis counselor for free. To learn more about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 

The Trevor Project is another national suicide prevention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth that operates The Trevor Lifeline, a confidential service that offers trained counselors. To learn more about the Trevor Project, visit 

https://www.thetrevorproject.org. 

Kuczera encourages people to know the signs parents, friends and educators should look for to indicate someone may be struggling:

• Mood— Depression and anxiety (although these in and of themselves are not indicative of suicidal thoughts or behaviors), irritability, anger, loss of interest in activities that once brought joy, listlessness, apathy or hopelessness. 

• Talk— Expressing they are a burden to others, talking about suicide and saying things like "What is the point of living?" "There is no reason for me to be here anymore," "People would be better off without me," "The world would be better off without me in it."

• Behaviors— Use or increased use of drugs or alcohol, isolating selves from friends/family, giving away prized possessions, sleeping more or less, aggression, withdrawing from activities, looking/researching ways to kill themselves, or visiting or calling people to say goodbye. 

Kuczera also mentioned suicide rates have increased over the past six months across the world. 

“With Zoom, Google Meet, and other video calling applications, people have ‘hijacked’ screens, random people have been able to log on and create issues,” says Kuczera. “There have been issues with bullying on these platforms. Schools are working to mitigate these situations as we have transitioned to virtual learning during the pandemic to ensure students feel safe and comfortable learning online.”

At NexTech Grand Rapids, during the month of September, the school is sharing information on its social media channels as well as within its student learning system so students can understand the signs and symptoms of suicide and learn how they can help themselves or others who may be struggling. The school is also conducting monthly mental health wellness surveys with students so school counselors can assist those who may need help.

“If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to a trusted adult,” says Kuczera. “As a young person, do not think you can help your friend all by yourself. If a friend tells you they are thinking about suicide and urge you not to tell anyone, tell someone. It is far, far better to have a mad friend than a dead friend.”

To learn more about NexTech Grand Rapids and its suicide prevention methods visit https://www.nextechhigh.org/grand-rapids. 

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NexTech High School is a public charter school serving students in Grand Rapids and Lansing. NexTech encourages students to own their future by offering blended learning customized to each student’s individual, personalized learning needs, whether on-campus or studying online. For more information, visit  nextechhigh.org.