A tweet that read “Finally built up some courage to spread my story. #suicideawareness” with an attachment telling the story of a young teens struggle with depression was posted Feb. 21. Dealing with depression on and off since freshman year, senior Anna Orlowski decided to share her story in hopes of helping others.

 
“I wanted to reach out and show others that living is worth it and you will get through it,” Orlowski said. “I think it helps people who are going through depression to see others who’ve gone through the same thing.”

 
After surviving several suicide attempts, Orlowski was able to find other alternatives to help resolve her problem.
“I stopped being so negative and closing people out. I found that the more people I told the more I knew I had support,” Orlowski said.

 
Orlowski wanted to send a message to not only teens with depression but to the bystanders that know of someone who’s hurting.
“Outsiders need to step in and do something. Standing around doesn’t help. If you see someone suffering just talk to them and let them know there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel,” Orlowski said.

 
Guidance counselor, Kyle Haenisch encouraged teens who are going through depression to seek help because it’s not something to go through alone.“Everyone goes through hills and valleys, so depression is kind of a normal thing,” Haenisch said. “But if you’re having trouble bouncing back from some sort of disappointment, or if you’re consistently sad for little or no reason, seek help. Go to your parents, a counselor, teacher you trust, youth minister, or family friend. Severe depression/suicidal ideation is not something you “just get over” by yourself.”

 
Although it’s normal to turn to your friends, sometimes that may not be enough to help.
“Lots of times, kids start by talking with their friends,” Haenisch said. “This is sometimes a good first step, but always remember that your friends don’t have any training in this area. They may tell you you’re over reacting or to just snap out of it. Severe depression/suicidal thoughts are not things you “just snap out of.” Seek the help of a trusted adult.”

 
A close friend, Senior Lexie Ramirez, explained her friendship with Orlowski during her hardship.
“I didn’t know that Anna was in that emotional state until she told me that she had cut herself numerous times,” Ramirez said. “It made me realize that even the people that know her best still didn’t know exactly what was happening. That goes for a lot of depressed or suicidal people. Coming from experience, they can be really happy and outgoing when they are with friends, but when they are alone it could be completely different.”

 
Ramirez was shocked and a little stunned after finding out about Orlowski’s depression but was able to help Orlowski turn a negative into a positive.

 
“I didn’t know what to say or do except hug her,” Ramirez said. “After that, I supported her decision to open up about it and post it publicly because maybe her words could affect someone going through the same thing. People can think or say all they want about her but she has an amazing group of friends that are by her side every step of the way. So if you notice a friend is acting differently, just ask them about how they are. Hopefully they will open up and get help instead of hurting themselves or trying to end their life.”
Senior Bo Briggs thought Orlowski’s tweet sent a positive message that everyone can learn from.

 
“I was so glad that her suicides hadn’t worked and realized that I, like she said in her tweet, needed to reach out to people and be kinder in general,” Briggs said. “I think she is very brave to have posted that on twitter. Her peers could’ve judged her harshly and ruined her reputation. But she posted it anyway. I think that her tweet sends a very powerful message to those considering suicide, so it’s a good thing she posted it.”

 
For tips on how to help, trainings and other additional resources visit www.texassuicideprevention.org.
For crisis/counseling services call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).