To battle increasing numbers of teen suicides, Olentangy created a new suicide support group, headed up by guidance counselor Whitney Hamilton.

The group is based off The National Yellow Ribbon Program, a program devoted to helping students struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. Sophomore Josh W. found this program and decided he wanted to help implement it at Olentangy.

“I was in the library, and I looked up suicide prevention. I found the Yellow Ribbon Program and realized there was nothing like that around here for students, so I got in contact with people from the program, had the school approve [the club] and went from there,” Josh said.

The group meets every Tuesday after school from 2:45 to 3:40. During the meetings, “everyone wants to talk and help [each other],” Hamilton said.

According to jasonfoundation.com suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18.

“The goal of the group is to create a safe place for kids to talk. It’s to help those who are going through difficulties and bring awareness about suicide,” Hamilton said.

Students are reacting positively to this new group.

“I think this is good for people because it’s awkward to talk to adults about [suicide], but it helps to talk to people who are going through the same thing,” sophomore Michael C. said.

Hamilton believes this group will become a vital part of the school.

“I don’t think people realize how many people are affected by suicide. Three Ohioans die from suicide a day and the number of students who think about it is [enormous],” Hamilton said.

This group is for any student struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, but is not limited to just those people.

“What I didn’t know before [the group] was just talking about [suicide] and having someone listen made it easier to deal with… one person may have ways to deal with [thoughts of suicide] that are natural to them, but you may never have thought of,” Josh said.

Students do not have to attend every meeting to be a part of the group, but can go whenever they feel it necessary.

“If I ever was struggling with thoughts of suicide, it’s good to know I have somewhere to turn,” sophomore Devin B. said.