PHOENIX — Dozens of high school rivals throughout the Phoenix and Tucson areas are teaming up to create “Messages of Hope” videos aimed at preventing teen suicide during Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September, according to a news release.
Some Chandler-area student-athletes are on this team trying to make a difference.
Football players, flag football players, cheerleaders and marching band members are showcasing their roles as student leaders on their campuses to remind their peers that working together to call attention to suicide prevention transcends high school rivalries.
Each Message of Hope emphasizes that troubled teens are not alone, even when they may feel like it.
“The point of this campaign is for teenagers to remind other teens that everyone has bad days, feels sad sometimes or just needs to talk,” says Nikki Kontz, clinical director at Teen Lifeline. “No matter what age you are, how talented you are or how popular you are, you’re not alone if you are struggling with your thoughts and feelings. There is always someone available to talk to and help.”