On Wednesday, December 6 from 12-1 PM, the Associated Students of Foothill College (ASFC) are collaborating with the Psychology Club to host “Rest in Peep: Memorial for Mental Health.” America has a mental health problem; we as a nation and as a community need to work together to be more accepting of mental health issues and spread awareness to those who can help make a change.  

Student body president Danya Adib testified that Lil Peep helped her fight through some of her own demons. The idea that someone who can help people through struggles of their own, but still fall themselves, is tragic.  President Adib hopes to turn this tragedy into a catalyst for change — an opportunity to address other people’s silent suffering. She explained her inspiration for the event:

“A few short weeks ago, somebody that I really admire passed away. Rapper Lil Peep, who found an outlet for his mental illness through his music, passed away from Xanax overdose. He was 21, an age close to many of ours. Lil Peep’s death is a sad reminder that these issues are happening everywhere and nobody is talking about it in a productive way. We thought we’d host a vigil to not only process the loss of a great artist who died too young but for the rest taken too young by diseases they can’t help and couldn’t access help for. We stand together as a community, providing resources for whatever mental health issue you’re going through, whether it be depression, suicidal ideation, or addiction.”

Just because the initial inspiration for the event was Peep’s death does not undermine the significance of anyone else’s pain.  Students of all ages and origins are encouraged to attend an event which focuses on promoting mental health and wellness.

Adib also said, “This vigil is not simply a memorial for an artist, but for the people whom he represented- for all those suffering in silence. We stand together as a community, providing resources for whatever mental health issue you’re going through, whether it be depression, suicidal ideation, or addiction.”

It can be hard to notice how much mental health issues affect us all — we can only see what’s on the surface, rather than what happens inside people’s minds.  That does not mean, however, that mental health issues are uncommon: 1 in 5 adults in America — 43.8 million people — will experience the effects of mental illness at least once per year. Moreover, 70% of youth in juvenile systems have at least one mental health condition.

ASFC will have students and counselors speak about mental health issues like depression and addiction. In addition, there will be refreshments, coloring books, and temporary tattoos to lighten the mood and help everyone relax during the end of the quarter.

Mental health should be taken seriously, and is not something to ignore.  If you or someone you know has been suffering, please don’t suffer alone.  Even if you just want some company to relax with, come to the ASFC office this Wednesday.

For students seeking support, Foothill College offers free services to students through the Psychological Services office. Students may make free appointments to speak to a trained professional with no strings attached. Drop-in hours are available every week Monday-Thursday, 12 noon-1 p.m for quick questions or general assistance.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. For access, please call 1-800-273-8255.