When I was a child, I often heard: "Middle school sucks." Yet, it wasn't until 6th grade that I truly understood the weight of those words. Middle school became a living nightmare for me, almost pushing me to the brink of suicide. As a young girl, I faced relentless bullying. The very friends I trusted turned their backs on me, spreading rumors and ostracizing me at every chance. I was merely lost in a sea of despair and isolation, and no one seemed to notice or care. My teachers, the ones I hoped would intervene, remained indifferent until the day they found me in the bathroom with a knife in my hand. That moment, that dark night, almost became my last.

This is not just my story. Every year, countless students suffer in silence. The mental health crisis among children and teens is skyrocketing, and suicide has become the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Students should not have to reach the breaking point to receive help. They should have access to free, confidential school counseling services to navigate the emotional turmoil of adolescence without requiring parental consent, which might sometimes be a barrier to seeking help.

Allowing students to access counseling services freely can provide the support they need to navigate difficult situations, make responsible choices, and maintain a healthy mental state. It's crucial to create an environment where young people feel safe and validated in seeking help without fear of stigma or reprisal from their peers or family.

We urgently call upon educational institutions, policymakers, and community leaders to implement essential changes within schools to provide free and confidential counseling services for all students. This measure can save lives, foster a healthier learning environment, and pave the way for a more understanding and supportive educational landscape.

Please, join us in making a significant difference in students' lives. Sign this petition demanding immediate action for the mental wellbeing of the nation's future. Together, we can ensure that no student ever feels alone or helpless, and that they have the necessary resources to thrive both academically and personally.