The Gray Matters Collective : “Keep Marching Forward” Event

The Gray Matters Collective : “Keep Marching Forward” event

Many students experience depression and suicidal thoughts. There’s many reasons why teenagers become depressed. Some teens develop feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, or helplessness. School takes a heavy toll on students’ mental health. Inadequacy over their grades, school performance, social status, or judgment from their peers can all factor into a more depressive state. However, school is not the only thing that can cause teens to feel depressed. For example, family life, major life transitions, death of a loved one, loss of a job, end of a relationship, etc.

The Gray Matters Collective was created to empower people to become mental health advocates and save lives. It enables individuals to control movement, memory, and emotions. It is believed that mental health isn’t a black and white issue. Many people get lost in the “gray area” of not knowing what to do, what to say, or how to help someone else who’s struggling. This collective aims to push mental health to the forefront of public conversation and policy to instill hope.

This last Saturday, September 17th, Gray Matters hosted an event called, “Keep Marching Forward.” This event held speakers who shared their personal stories, a collective march, and tons of support. This event was a huge memorial of the lives lost to suicide. It was honoring September as Suicide Prevention Month.

Suicide Prevention Month provides opportunity to educate the community about the “warning signs” for suicide. It helps teach people how to reach out for help and to connect to those experiencing an emotional crisis. This month helps reduce factors that increase rink and factors that promote resilience. The education of “Suicide Prevention” can help people recognize and manage their emotions.

Below, there are some photos that were taken during, or after, the event.