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Social Issues3 years ago
Students In My School Covered It’s Lockers With Supportive Post-It Notes After 12th Grader Committed Suicide
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Hi! I’m a seventh-grade student at Walnut Hills High School. On the 13th of September, a 12th-grade student committed suicide. To help prevent this, the Be Happy Club covered the school in supportive post-it notes to make people feel better about themselves and to honor the student who committed suicide’s memory. Please comment your thoughts on this post, and I’m sorry that most of the pictures are blurry, but I had to take them while walking to class.
This is his Locker. Everyone who passed it wrote encouragement messages on a post-it and stuck it on his locker
Even the band lockers got decorated
Post-its were put everywhere
This is my locker row
Walnut (My school) Needs You; Be Strong As You
Walnut Needs You and Stay Strong
Be You and Be Happy; There are Even Notes on the Doors
You are amazing; You’re loved
Hallway with post-its
You’re brilliant
Smile and Spread Love
Students See Their Lockers Covered In Supportive Notes
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Sorry, but I'm going to be straight forward and honest with my comment. I think it's a nice gesture made by teens. But I do NOT think this will make ANY difference. It's cute, yes. But if someone who suffers depression gets a post it just like the rest of the school, things don't change at all. They're still another face lost in the crowd, because the messages are so generic and not directed to anyone in particular, not made from the heart specially for someone. So you just get a random message just like other hundreds of students did. You are still invisible. Placing post its with positive messages everywhere is nice, but how about the ACTIONS? People still get bullied. People still reject those different than them. People still eat lunch alone. Instead of generic post its everywhere, talk to that lonely guy, invite that "ugly" girl to join you and your friends. Let them know THEY ARE accepted and unique. Direct ACTIONS > random words for random people.
I totally agree, as a person who suffers from depression, actions speak louder than words!
I'm sure they will. Every post-it is a reminder for those who suffer and to those that cause the suffering, and it will make them think. Perhaps it encourages the depressive ones to ask for help and the other ones to keep their eyes open and act directly.
I agree with sunnyrei82s response. I suffer from depression and definitely actions speak louder than words!
@BoredBirgit, are you that naive? Or you are really just bored?
I disagree a bit, these Post Its do make a difference, maybe not to that kid, but it raises awareness and makes people think. I was at school where teachers and students knew of my problems and joined in or did nothing. I think the Millenials should give us hope, there are moving in the right way…
Okay, this was a nice gesture towards the girl who committed suicide. Others who have depression will see these post it notes and hopefully see that people ARE out there for them. I don't understand why everything, even nice things get hate on the internet. Just be grateful that people decided to do this for her and for other depressed people contemplating suicide
For HIM, HE committed suicide. It shows how much attention you paid for this situation.
I don't "hate" nice things, and I am not a troll or something. I am just giving my 100% honest point of view and how I feel about this. I (like many people) suffered depression when I was in high school,and if someone did that post-it thing, it wouldn't change a thing in my life. I would still feel invisible, I would think that some girls just wanted to feel "nice and good" and "save the school" with their "13 reasons why-like" activity. They wouldn't actually CARE for ME. Maybe it would even bother me. Sorry if someone things I'm a hater, cynic, or doesn't agree with me (you are free to feel/think whatever you want, and I'm ok with it), but that's how I feel.
Im sorry but you are wrong those notes can make a huge difference in someones life and that fact is that a teenagers are starting to think like this and went out to do this amazing act means this could encourage other people to become more friendly also to help other people and this is the begining of something amazing.
It's a beginning if it actually helps people realize that depression isn't just someone 'being sad' ~ it requires some reaching out to someone who desperately needs to connect despite the fact that they most likely don't want to for a variety of reasons. It's nice to see supportive messages everywhere but honestly, for someone who is suffering from depression, those post it notes aren't going to apply to them, they won't feel less lonely or isolated; if anything, I think it might make them feel even more isolated because they won't be the ones posting up those happy little messages.
you are right.
While actions speak louder than words and are VERY VERY IMPORTANT, words are also important. If words have the power to harm and belittle, they should have the power to uplift and spread love. Even if everyone gets a note, that is still kindness in a different form. I do agree that they should not stop here and just go back to normal, but I do think that this is helping as well. It might even have students notice things about their classmates; not just signs of unhappiness or depression, but positive things as well.
No, not at all. This DOES help. in fact, it helped me. It made me realize, this person was just like me, same thoughts, everything. It helps realize, that if this happened to me, people would do the same thing. Maybe not in the ways you listed, but in other ways, sure.
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Oi, calm down cynic!
Oh, yes, I am! And don't have any problem with it! The cold never bothered me anywaaaaayy!♪♫ ;)
Not to be a downer, but too little too late. I spent 43 years working with kids in Mental Health settings. Thery're usually clues if someone is listening carefully and emphatheticly and intervention that can be implemented to keep the person safe. Once again bullying can be a contributing factor. Many schools have implemented programs to address these issues
Even with support, one can choose to give up the battle. Sometimes depression just wins. Otherwise it would not be such a problem to help depressed patients.
Perhaps if this young student had got these nice words before committing suicide things would have been different.
Nice words don't really help given the situation. I have depression and anxiety, and whenever I go through a tough time, everyone is there for me, but I still tried to kill myself. I don't know, maybe it just depends on the situation
This looks like they're doing something similar to what they saw in "13 reasons why" and thought would be a nice gesture. I'm not mocking or diminishing what happened. I might get many downvotes for this, but I don't feel like this was made with sincere intentions of making people feel loved. I feel like this was just some "nice, cool" idea someone got to cheer up the students. And it's ok, but next week those post its will be in the trash and forgotten, and nothing would change unless people START CARING FOR EACH OTHER, individually, each one of you, and get over all the popularity/race/complexion/sexual preference/economic possibilities/religion/whatever bullshit that students have to deal with every single f*ing day.
Could be, but this will very probably inspire other students to care, from the whole population of students, at least one, or a group, will be genuinely touched by this and try to spread awareness and support for other students who might look like they need it :)
Woah, Lillian (author), your story IS encouraging. When I was twelve as you are now, I didn't even know that I was suffering from depressions and was an Introvert. Nobody had words for or was aware of this, and I as a child just felt awfully different than all the others around me. Go girl, you are really awesome.
I agree with CATastrophic, it's sad that it had to come to a suicide for the love/support to happen. Condolences to the family of the child that committed suicide.
WE MISS YOU! But do you really? Maybe if you had told this person how much you " care " about them they would still be alive. This person is gone and its no use trying to cheer them up now. Yeah, its cute and all but it has no point anymore.We should always be kind to people, all the time, not when it's too late. When you're alive the make fun of you and tell you how much you suck and aren't worth it, then when you end it all, they don't understand what made you do it and talk about how much they loved you. SHOW IT WHILE THEY ARE ALIVE, NOT AFTER FOR INTERNET PUBLICITY! I have nothing against the person who posted this, but come on really? where were these kind words when they were needed the most?
This should happen all the time not just when someone commits suicide. Everyone needs to be supportive of each other, especially in this day and age, you never know who is hurting. This is a sweet gesture and shows that you care after the fact but can you remember the last time you told that person they were worth it when they were alive? people need to realize that popularity doesnt last, bullying is cool and everyone is special and we should build people on a daily basis, stand up for what is right and know that a "hi" or "good morning" really does go a long way
bullying isnt cool..HORRIBLE SPELLING MISTAKE
So sorry
I cried a little while reading this to be honest... some people think it's the only choice, but it's not. There are many causes that lead to this bullies, family issues, relationship problems, but one of the bigger ones is probably depression. A lot of people deal with these things, not many know how to actually deal with it in a good way. Just remember; SUICIDE IS NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE!!! It affects friends, family, even neighbors. I know it might seem like people don't care, but they do. It's just some don't know how to treat depression, bullying, etc etc. I really hope people think about these things before taking drastic measures...
I thought this was awesome.
Thank you for sharing.I think it's a nice way to begin to try to build community and help students work to reach out to all peers, not just their best friends. While it can't fix severe depression, a sincere and sustained effort at building community can help everyone.
Thank you, Lillian, for posting this. As a WHHS parent, my heart is saddened by this student's passing and how hard this is for the Walnut Hills family. I've read some of the notes as I have walked through the halls and I can feel the support that is behind this effort. Keep it up! Keep reaching out to each other. Build community. Many of the comments posted here are pretty negative. Please remember that these are junior high and high school students, not mental health professionals. Many have never experienced this situation before and don't know how to react. They're doing what they can. This is the first of many steps that they will start taking to combat bullying, how to recognize mental health issues and what they can do to help. Instead of posting a negative comment, perhaps try posting a helpful suggestion or actions they can try.
I LOVE this idea, at my school, they leave Post Its on bathroom mirrors like this. I love those things..
Suicide is hard to understand at any age and being your age it has to be very hard. I hope you use this to see how a positive word can inspire and make a difference in someone's day. It is sad to think that the loss of this young life would not have some impact that could turn positive. Be that positive!!!
Nice idea BUT how about not bullying people to death. How about not making those less fortunate feel like outsiders. It sickens me that people do this stull AFTER the person has died. But during their life, no one gave a shit. I am in my mid 50ties and was bullies horribly all through diddle school. It cause me to drop out in grade 9 and has had a lasting negative effect on my entire life. My family would tell me to grow up and actually bully me if I showed depression or sadness. Because of this I am poor and I lock myself away from people. These students and adults need to be a friend to people. Not post a useless post it note on a locker.
Cute idea. But, just a teen-weeny bit too late for one kid.
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It is always the same. Things only change after someone has died and it is too late. Someone could have done this while he was still alive.
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instead of spreading the notes to commemorate the suicide victim you could've stopped that very person from doing it. imagine all the time it took to put those sticky notes up when you could've been helping them. after they kill themselves all of a sudden everyone now cares about them, they don't actually care they just want to be in on the action.
Ok, what kind of sick person posts a comment like this? These are Kids pretty much and it's hard to deal with these things! These people actually cared for the suicide victim, apparently you don't if you think that people just notice depression. Some people act optimistic because depressed people are "sad". Please don't be negative on something this emotional.
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Did the title remind anyone of 13 reasons why
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\Too little too late ... and it is ITS LOCKERS not IT'S lockers. #schooled
ok, just please don't be rude, my laptop isn't letting me edit this, so I have to wait until I can get back to my school and use the computers there. And you don't need to be so mean, I was just trying to tell whoever would listen about something nice that some kids were trying to do to make sure they wouldn't lose anymore of their friends and classmates.
Lillian, you are supposed to ignore these people. Typically they are having fun at your expense. Not worth your effort. Thank you for the post and allowing us to comment on your situation.
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oh honey if someone had been nice in the first place he would not have taken his own life...what you did is wonderful but every school should have someone like you to let students know that they are not alone. Mean? Oh no ... morbid perhaps but more liely sardonic.
Sorry, but I'm going to be straight forward and honest with my comment. I think it's a nice gesture made by teens. But I do NOT think this will make ANY difference. It's cute, yes. But if someone who suffers depression gets a post it just like the rest of the school, things don't change at all. They're still another face lost in the crowd, because the messages are so generic and not directed to anyone in particular, not made from the heart specially for someone. So you just get a random message just like other hundreds of students did. You are still invisible. Placing post its with positive messages everywhere is nice, but how about the ACTIONS? People still get bullied. People still reject those different than them. People still eat lunch alone. Instead of generic post its everywhere, talk to that lonely guy, invite that "ugly" girl to join you and your friends. Let them know THEY ARE accepted and unique. Direct ACTIONS > random words for random people.
I totally agree, as a person who suffers from depression, actions speak louder than words!
I'm sure they will. Every post-it is a reminder for those who suffer and to those that cause the suffering, and it will make them think. Perhaps it encourages the depressive ones to ask for help and the other ones to keep their eyes open and act directly.
I agree with sunnyrei82s response. I suffer from depression and definitely actions speak louder than words!
@BoredBirgit, are you that naive? Or you are really just bored?
I disagree a bit, these Post Its do make a difference, maybe not to that kid, but it raises awareness and makes people think. I was at school where teachers and students knew of my problems and joined in or did nothing. I think the Millenials should give us hope, there are moving in the right way…
Okay, this was a nice gesture towards the girl who committed suicide. Others who have depression will see these post it notes and hopefully see that people ARE out there for them. I don't understand why everything, even nice things get hate on the internet. Just be grateful that people decided to do this for her and for other depressed people contemplating suicide
For HIM, HE committed suicide. It shows how much attention you paid for this situation.
I don't "hate" nice things, and I am not a troll or something. I am just giving my 100% honest point of view and how I feel about this. I (like many people) suffered depression when I was in high school,and if someone did that post-it thing, it wouldn't change a thing in my life. I would still feel invisible, I would think that some girls just wanted to feel "nice and good" and "save the school" with their "13 reasons why-like" activity. They wouldn't actually CARE for ME. Maybe it would even bother me. Sorry if someone things I'm a hater, cynic, or doesn't agree with me (you are free to feel/think whatever you want, and I'm ok with it), but that's how I feel.
Im sorry but you are wrong those notes can make a huge difference in someones life and that fact is that a teenagers are starting to think like this and went out to do this amazing act means this could encourage other people to become more friendly also to help other people and this is the begining of something amazing.
It's a beginning if it actually helps people realize that depression isn't just someone 'being sad' ~ it requires some reaching out to someone who desperately needs to connect despite the fact that they most likely don't want to for a variety of reasons. It's nice to see supportive messages everywhere but honestly, for someone who is suffering from depression, those post it notes aren't going to apply to them, they won't feel less lonely or isolated; if anything, I think it might make them feel even more isolated because they won't be the ones posting up those happy little messages.
you are right.
While actions speak louder than words and are VERY VERY IMPORTANT, words are also important. If words have the power to harm and belittle, they should have the power to uplift and spread love. Even if everyone gets a note, that is still kindness in a different form. I do agree that they should not stop here and just go back to normal, but I do think that this is helping as well. It might even have students notice things about their classmates; not just signs of unhappiness or depression, but positive things as well.
No, not at all. This DOES help. in fact, it helped me. It made me realize, this person was just like me, same thoughts, everything. It helps realize, that if this happened to me, people would do the same thing. Maybe not in the ways you listed, but in other ways, sure.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Oi, calm down cynic!
Oh, yes, I am! And don't have any problem with it! The cold never bothered me anywaaaaayy!♪♫ ;)
Not to be a downer, but too little too late. I spent 43 years working with kids in Mental Health settings. Thery're usually clues if someone is listening carefully and emphatheticly and intervention that can be implemented to keep the person safe. Once again bullying can be a contributing factor. Many schools have implemented programs to address these issues
Even with support, one can choose to give up the battle. Sometimes depression just wins. Otherwise it would not be such a problem to help depressed patients.
Perhaps if this young student had got these nice words before committing suicide things would have been different.
Nice words don't really help given the situation. I have depression and anxiety, and whenever I go through a tough time, everyone is there for me, but I still tried to kill myself. I don't know, maybe it just depends on the situation
This looks like they're doing something similar to what they saw in "13 reasons why" and thought would be a nice gesture. I'm not mocking or diminishing what happened. I might get many downvotes for this, but I don't feel like this was made with sincere intentions of making people feel loved. I feel like this was just some "nice, cool" idea someone got to cheer up the students. And it's ok, but next week those post its will be in the trash and forgotten, and nothing would change unless people START CARING FOR EACH OTHER, individually, each one of you, and get over all the popularity/race/complexion/sexual preference/economic possibilities/religion/whatever bullshit that students have to deal with every single f*ing day.
Could be, but this will very probably inspire other students to care, from the whole population of students, at least one, or a group, will be genuinely touched by this and try to spread awareness and support for other students who might look like they need it :)
Woah, Lillian (author), your story IS encouraging. When I was twelve as you are now, I didn't even know that I was suffering from depressions and was an Introvert. Nobody had words for or was aware of this, and I as a child just felt awfully different than all the others around me. Go girl, you are really awesome.
I agree with CATastrophic, it's sad that it had to come to a suicide for the love/support to happen. Condolences to the family of the child that committed suicide.
WE MISS YOU! But do you really? Maybe if you had told this person how much you " care " about them they would still be alive. This person is gone and its no use trying to cheer them up now. Yeah, its cute and all but it has no point anymore.We should always be kind to people, all the time, not when it's too late. When you're alive the make fun of you and tell you how much you suck and aren't worth it, then when you end it all, they don't understand what made you do it and talk about how much they loved you. SHOW IT WHILE THEY ARE ALIVE, NOT AFTER FOR INTERNET PUBLICITY! I have nothing against the person who posted this, but come on really? where were these kind words when they were needed the most?
This should happen all the time not just when someone commits suicide. Everyone needs to be supportive of each other, especially in this day and age, you never know who is hurting. This is a sweet gesture and shows that you care after the fact but can you remember the last time you told that person they were worth it when they were alive? people need to realize that popularity doesnt last, bullying is cool and everyone is special and we should build people on a daily basis, stand up for what is right and know that a "hi" or "good morning" really does go a long way
bullying isnt cool..HORRIBLE SPELLING MISTAKE
So sorry
I cried a little while reading this to be honest... some people think it's the only choice, but it's not. There are many causes that lead to this bullies, family issues, relationship problems, but one of the bigger ones is probably depression. A lot of people deal with these things, not many know how to actually deal with it in a good way. Just remember; SUICIDE IS NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE!!! It affects friends, family, even neighbors. I know it might seem like people don't care, but they do. It's just some don't know how to treat depression, bullying, etc etc. I really hope people think about these things before taking drastic measures...
I thought this was awesome.
Thank you for sharing.I think it's a nice way to begin to try to build community and help students work to reach out to all peers, not just their best friends. While it can't fix severe depression, a sincere and sustained effort at building community can help everyone.
Thank you, Lillian, for posting this. As a WHHS parent, my heart is saddened by this student's passing and how hard this is for the Walnut Hills family. I've read some of the notes as I have walked through the halls and I can feel the support that is behind this effort. Keep it up! Keep reaching out to each other. Build community. Many of the comments posted here are pretty negative. Please remember that these are junior high and high school students, not mental health professionals. Many have never experienced this situation before and don't know how to react. They're doing what they can. This is the first of many steps that they will start taking to combat bullying, how to recognize mental health issues and what they can do to help. Instead of posting a negative comment, perhaps try posting a helpful suggestion or actions they can try.
I LOVE this idea, at my school, they leave Post Its on bathroom mirrors like this. I love those things..
Suicide is hard to understand at any age and being your age it has to be very hard. I hope you use this to see how a positive word can inspire and make a difference in someone's day. It is sad to think that the loss of this young life would not have some impact that could turn positive. Be that positive!!!
Nice idea BUT how about not bullying people to death. How about not making those less fortunate feel like outsiders. It sickens me that people do this stull AFTER the person has died. But during their life, no one gave a shit. I am in my mid 50ties and was bullies horribly all through diddle school. It cause me to drop out in grade 9 and has had a lasting negative effect on my entire life. My family would tell me to grow up and actually bully me if I showed depression or sadness. Because of this I am poor and I lock myself away from people. These students and adults need to be a friend to people. Not post a useless post it note on a locker.
Cute idea. But, just a teen-weeny bit too late for one kid.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
It is always the same. Things only change after someone has died and it is too late. Someone could have done this while he was still alive.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
instead of spreading the notes to commemorate the suicide victim you could've stopped that very person from doing it. imagine all the time it took to put those sticky notes up when you could've been helping them. after they kill themselves all of a sudden everyone now cares about them, they don't actually care they just want to be in on the action.
Ok, what kind of sick person posts a comment like this? These are Kids pretty much and it's hard to deal with these things! These people actually cared for the suicide victim, apparently you don't if you think that people just notice depression. Some people act optimistic because depressed people are "sad". Please don't be negative on something this emotional.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Did the title remind anyone of 13 reasons why
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
\Too little too late ... and it is ITS LOCKERS not IT'S lockers. #schooled
ok, just please don't be rude, my laptop isn't letting me edit this, so I have to wait until I can get back to my school and use the computers there. And you don't need to be so mean, I was just trying to tell whoever would listen about something nice that some kids were trying to do to make sure they wouldn't lose anymore of their friends and classmates.
Lillian, you are supposed to ignore these people. Typically they are having fun at your expense. Not worth your effort. Thank you for the post and allowing us to comment on your situation.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
oh honey if someone had been nice in the first place he would not have taken his own life...what you did is wonderful but every school should have someone like you to let students know that they are not alone. Mean? Oh no ... morbid perhaps but more liely sardonic.