Health and Fitness : The world is a better place with you in it

By Jamie Stander

Calling all VINTON-SHELLSBURG, CPU and BENTON COMMUNITY middle schoolers and high schoolers…

On Sunday, March 15, from 4:30-7:00 p.m., at the Benton County Fairgrounds (1702 2nd Ave. Vinton) I am looking for help with something that is dear to my heart, has affected my loved ones lives and my life in some way shape or form and is something I feel deeply that I need to do.

We will be putting together a Suicide Prevention photoshoot with middle schoolers and high schoolers from Vinton-Shellsburg, CPU and Benton Community to show love and support to each and every person we encounter! Our message will be "The world is better with you in it!" My thought is to have all the teens holding a sign with a personal message or signs that simply say, "I AM HERE, I CARE or I WILL LISTEN."
Suicide is real, depression is real, and our words are real! Just because no one likes to talk about it or is uncomfortable talking about it doesn't make it go away. Everyone feels differently, loves differently, reacts differently and that is ok because each and every one of us matter!
So let's use our words to put it out there that there is no shame in asking for help, telling someone your mind isn't in a good place, telling someone you are self-harming yourself, telling on the bully whether the bullying is being done to you or you witness someone else being bullied, confide in someone that your mother or father is being mentally and physically abused or is abusing you!
There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about your life, your struggle or your story! WE ARE HERE, WE WILL LISTEN and WE CARE!.

HUGE SHOUTOUT TO SCOTT WOOD and SHADOE VOGT for agreeing to be a part of this project! I appreciate you!!

There is a Facebook event if you would like to check it out here!