Connection is Prevention
You may remember the buddy system as a way for teachers to make sure no one wandered off during a school field trip, but even as adults the buddy system is still helpful!
Research has shown time and time again the importance of having people we love and trust in our lives. Surrounding ourselves with our friends and loved ones has been shown to not only improve our mental health, but help buffer against depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
Though this week is National Suicide Prevention Week,
you should always do your best to check in with both yourself and your friends to make sure you are all doing okay. Even reach out to a fellow classmate you may not know well if they seem like they are struggling. Knowing that someone out there cares to ask what is wrong can make a world of difference to someone.
While the buddy system was initially used to make sure you didn’t get lost on a field trip, it is still helpful to make sure you don’t get lost on your journey through life.