Hamilton’s Inaugural #SockOutSuicide is a Success
Photos by Prisha Trivedi.
Prisha Trivedi
Last Thursday, May 29, Hamilton High School participated in #SockOutSuicide. Students and staff were encouraged to wear fun, brightly colored socks to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Where it Started
This started 8 years ago in Okemos, Michigan as a way to remember Ross Baldwin, who had passed by suicide. Since then, students at Okemos High School started a campaign to promote mental health awareness and called it #SockOutSuicide. In school, talking about mental health often seems risky because of the stigma surrounding it, which this event seeks to fix. Since the first event, every year in Okemos, these students continue to see more and more participation and open new doors surrounding mental health awareness including raffles, sock sales, and run/walks.
Why is it Important?
Mental health is just as important as physical health; however it is often overlooked especially against physical health because of the stigma surrounding it, which normally stems from fear and lack of understanding of what mental illness really is. The stigma around mental health is so harmful that many don’t realize how big of a problem it is. You never know the battles that others are fighting around you even if they seem fine on the outside.
We need to increase awareness about mental health and start conversations which will help erase the stigma surrounding mental health. Especially in adolescent stages, mental health is important because depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are the leading causes of illness and disability among students. Many mental health issues can lead to suicide, which is the third leading cause of death in those aged 15-29 years old. Mental health is important and can help individuals with coping skills and stress, which is essential to personal growth. There are so many resources available that individuals can use if they need it (linked at the end) but awareness and de-stigmatization is an important step.
HHS #SockOutSuicide
Students and staff all around the school showed up with fun crazy socks to show their support in #SockOutSuicide.
Mr. Weiss also started a fundraiser to raise money for a mental health organization. Science teachers and his classes donated funds with the intent of getting Weiss to wear socks and sandals, since he is notoriously known for hating that combo. Weiss agreed to wear socks with sandals if $200 dollars were raised, and in just three days, the science department was able to raise $350 dollars to donate.
All funds were donated in honor of Owen Briggs to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
Resources
If you are ever feeling down or having a hard time, there will always be resources available.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: Text or Call 988
Crisis Text Hotline: Text HOME to 741741
Encourage others to seek help from a professional if they are struggling. Call 988 or 911 if you think someone is in danger of self-harm.
References
Owen Briggs Obituary (2007 - 2025) - Legacy Remembers
Donate via Pledge to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention New York, NY, USA
Major Depression - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Psychiatry.org - Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness
