Health: Tell Someone about Depression by Ray McDonald

Mental health problems occur everywhere all around the United States. Different people go through very different struggles, some worse than others. Unfortunately, many depressed teenagers go undiagnosed. This can be dangerous because subsequently, the teenagers do not get the help that they need to live a happy and healthy life. Some of the symptoms of depression are constant mood swings, sleeping too much or too little, appetite change (whether that be eating more or eating less), feeling hopeless and alone, getting angry easily, a lack of concentration, weight loss or weight gain, constantly thinking negatively, and having low grades. If you are reading this and you believe that you have some type of depression, do not hold it in and suppress it. Do not tell yourself that this is just a stage and it will pass. You need to tell somebody, even if you think your problem isn't severe enough for attention. Go to your doctor and take a depression screening. You will not regret it, because once you go in and tell somebody, that is the first step to happiness. Although depression isn’t curable, according to www.psychologytoday.com, it is still very treatable. Once you get help, they can start you on medication and you can talk to a therapist. Most people say that they do not need help, but deep down, it's essential to getting better.

Depression can make a person think scary and irrational thoughts. Unfortunately, that is what occurs; however, those who suffer from depression have the opportunity to fix that state of mind and alter those thoughts for the better. When someone has these hazardous thoughts, they tend to self harm. Self harm is when one causes injury to themselves on purpose. It is a way to cope with what you’re feeling at the moment and it gives a quick relief from the pain. Self injury can also be a way to have control over your body when you feel as if you cannot control what is going on around you. It could be seen as a reminder that someone is still, in fact, alive and breathing. Different types of self harm can be cutting of the skin, hitting yourself / banging your head, burning, pinching, or scratching. Those are not the answers. If you feel as if that helps you I promise it just makes you much worse. There are plenty of different ways that one may cope with this pain that they are feeling at that moment. One of the ways is to talk to somebody; if one doesn’t want to talk to anybody, there are different alternatives. For example, you can draw, go for a run, take a shower, read a book, listen to happy music, call a friend, call a therapist, tell your parents, write poetry, etc. For more alternatives visit www.adolescentselfinjuryfoundation.com.

If you are depressed or feel a friend is depressed, the best thing to do is to tell somebody. You may not think that isn’t the best idea but it is. You may save a life if you tell somebody. Many suicide victims suffer from major depression disorder. Save a life and tell somebody if you are worried about a friend. One may ask, “But what if I made a promise not to tell?” That is the most common line friends use to tell each other how they really feel. If someone says that to you, no matter who they are, you need to warn and tell somebody of the situation. If you feel that you are in a state of emergency and you just know that you are going to do something you regret, call 9-1-1 and they will send help and support. If you are in a crisis and want to talk to someone immediately, call the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255). The line is open 24 hours a day and someone is always willing to help.

Question of the Day: Voices of Fourth Mod Lunch

“What are you looking forward to most about Spirit Week this year?”

In honor of Spirit Week and homecoming, we decided to pose this question to the students of fourth mod lunch. Here are some of the responses we received:

“Definitely getting together with the school

and having a good time.”

-Ashley Mulherin, Grade 12

“Fun Friday!”

-Jane Mecca, Grade 10

“America Monday.”

-Dani Beamish, Grade 10

“Gym Class Heroes!”

-Macy Marturano and Annie Wesolowski, Grade 12

“Dressing up everyday.”

-Kayleigh Tokash, Grade 12

Cartoon: Spirit Week by Frank DeFazio

Photos: Spirit Week 2016!

Superhero Day...

                                                                 Lumberjack Day...

                                                                   America Day...

Culture: The History of Homecoming by Maria Bordonaro and Clare Reed

Ah, homecoming. The famous fall night we associate with football, friends, and fun, but most importantly, high school. It seems synonymous with American high school nowadays; however, when tracing back the homecoming tradition, a college campus is its birthplace. Although it’s still up for debate, the University of Missouri has the strongest claim to fame for being the pioneers of homecoming. It all started in 1911, when alumni of the college were invited back to the campus for the annual football game against rival University of Kansas. Rallies and parades soon followed in becoming important components to the tradition.

High schools soon followed suit, ramping up the voltage with week-long festivities, expensive parades, homecoming court, and dances. Homecoming, over the past century, has become integral in high school social life, almost becoming a rite of passage.

Some high schools take school dances to the extreme, with expensive tickets to compensate for the extravagancy. Floats, red carpets, professional music, food, and decorations model A-list events. This theme, partnered by the need of many students to acquire a date, makes homecoming a noise-filled, stress inducing time. Although this may paint a chaotic picture, many students wish for the highly anticipated event to come sooner. Attending these high school events creates the feeling of inclusion and immersion in the “high school experience.”

Through the many divisions that separate students in America, events like these bring them together. It is deep rooted in teen American culture that homecoming, prom, and other dances is a staple--so much so, that foreign teenagers become fascinated with the idea of such events occurring multiple times a year, every year in America.

So join in on the historic tradition bringing millions of teenagers together and come to the 2016 Abington Heights Homecoming on October 15th from 8-11 pm!

Culture: Scranton Fringe Festival By Zoe McGlynn

It all began in 1947, Edinburgh, Scotland. The first Fringe festival took place when many artists felt that they weren’t receiving the respect the deserved for their pieces. They all unified and got the support they needed from venues and businesses to put on their own shows without the restraints of the companies they worked for. Over time, the festival has evolved into a worldly attraction, and Fringe became a part of everyone's lives all around the globe.

    Fringe was just introduced to Scranton in 2015, and returned this year on the first weekend of October. “Fringe gives both local and visiting artists the chance to flex their creative muscles and take a chance they might not get elsewhere. The community gets to sample from a multitude of different platforms, including new experiences!” Says Chantel April, a member of the Scranton Fringe board. “We have theatre, dance, improv, comedy, performance art, magic, puppets, etc.” Writers cast their shows locally, and present their pieces with minimal tech and set. The festival offers an extremely wide variety of genres, from magic shows, to comedy acts, to improv, to dramas, to classics. Whatever you may be interested in is probably presented at Fringe. Not only will you be amongst family and friends, but you also get a chance to meet some of the thousands of people who attend the festival. According to Chantel, the festival plans to grow in all aspects including shows, venues, and even days!

    To get involved is easy. Fringe is based on the community, so without the help of volunteers, patrons, and local artists, the Festival wouldn't be able to share its magnificence to our area. Students also get their opportunity to get their own show into the festival! There is a playwriting group for junior high through high schoolers, where you can write your own piece and have actors read it to an audience!

     Fringe is a great way to connect with the community and broaden your perspective through fantastic shows that appeal to all audiences. Support Fringe andsupport the community. Read more about the festival at http://scrantonfringe.org

Crossword: Back to School by Maria Sutton

To try the crossword, click on the link below. Enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzDxVFdfYXgmRTNqMXh0cW1XU1U/view