brittan b.
C.H.A.T Til Tomorrow
My Community Service Initiative or CSI is called C.H.A.T. Til Tomorrow! C.H.A.T. is an acronym I created to help people quickly remember four mental health resources if they or someone they know may be considering death by suicide. With C.H.A.T. Til Tomorrow I hope to let all students know that CHATing means to choose connection over silence because even one conversation can help someone else make it to the next day. Normalizing conversations about mental health helps those who are struggling come forward and express these tough feelings. I want everyone I talk to to know at least four resources and where to go for mental health help.
My Why - The first significant loss I faced was the death of my aunt. At just 12 years old, I lacked the maturity to fully grasp the gravity of her passing or its effects on those around me. It wasn't until years later that I began to understand the impact her death had on my family. However, the loss of my uncle to death by suicide when I was 15, left a lasting and memorable impact. His death shook our family to the core, leaving scars that still ache today. Witnessing the emotional toll on my aunt, cousins, and other family members provided a painful but crucial insight into how suicide can cause a ripple effect of devastation.
Talking about suicide should not, and can not be taboo any longer. Without having open dialogue about mental health, the death by suicide death toll will continue to rise. I encourage young men and women to C.H.A.T about their S.C.A.R.S.
C
C
Community: speaking to friends, family, and counselors in your life
H
Hotline: calling the National Suicide Prevention hotline is available 24/7
A
Associations: reaching out to associations like Hope Squad
T
Text: you can reach mental health professionals by texting 988
These resources are important tools for every person to have in case they are struggling with mental health issues, or if they notice someone in their life experiencing S.C.A.R.S. It is important to look for signs of Separation, Careless acts, Amends, Returning items and Swings. These acronyms are easy ways to help yourself or others affected by a decline in mental health.
In addition to my school program, I have partnered with Hope Squad, which is a peer based suicide prevention program. I have had the opportunity to bring Hope Squad to my school and I am in the process of connecting this program into surrounding communities so that rural Oklahomans have more access to resources. This organization transforms lives and empowers individuals to become instruments of change.
Encouraging people to seek support from friends, engage in hobbies, and explore interests can provide valuable emotional relief and help in managing mental health challenges. If only my aunt and uncle knew what tomorrow held. As Miss Oklahoma State Fair’s Teen, I have been able to start my mission of ensuring that those plagued by suicidal thoughts, CHAT til tomorrow. It is the small victories, the one step, the next day, that will change lives. Silence is deadly, so always stay CHATting.