BY AMIRA BRYANT

In response to escalating mental health challenges and a surge in youth suicides, students across Texas are spearheading peer-led initiatives to support one another. Over 200 schools in North Texas have implemented programs like the Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention initiative. These programs train students to recognize signs of distress among their peers and guide them in seeking help.

At Dallas Jesuit, an all-boys school, the Hope Squad was established following the tragic suicide of a student in 2020. The program has since fostered a culture where mental health is openly discussed, challenging the traditional “man-up” mentality. Students meet weekly to learn how to identify warning signs and support classmates in crisis. The impact of these programs extends beyond immediate intervention. They promote deeper connections among students, encouraging open conversations about mental health and fostering a supportive community. As one student noted, recognizing subtle changes in a peer’s behavior, such as cryptic social media posts, can be crucial in providing timely support.

A change in media and society isn’t always bad, you don’t have to be what people expect of you anymore, you’re allowed to express how you feel to the people you love in the way you want to.