Depression and Suicide Risks

It's Tough to be a Teen

By Stephanie Meza and Sierra Holter

•1 out of 4 teenagers suffers from depression.

•5,000 teenagers commit suicide every year.

•300-400 teen suicides are reported in Los Angeles every year.

•Suicide is the third leading cause of death of young persons aged 15-24.

•Teens that have attempted suicide in the past are likely to attempt suicide again; in fact, according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Center (3), about 1/3 of all teen suicide victims have tried to commit suicide before.

These statistics are alarming; yet, why do people always tend to avoid talking about depression and suicide? Most importantly, why do ADULTS always avoid talking about depression and suicide to teenagers? The reality is, depression and suicide are very sensitive subjects, and many adults make the lethal mistake of not talking about it to teenagers. It’s a morbid thing to talk about; no one wants to talk about death. We all accept it as a part of life but when someone takes their own life it becomes taboo. Teenage suicide is a statewide epidemic.

The fact that society finds a way to go around depression when it comes to talking about it leaves an open gap for curiosity. At Southwest the only open discussion about suicide is in Health Class, which even then leaves one questioning. Statistics really hit home when last year, one of our Raiders was a victim of depression, and saw no escape to it and decided to take his life away. It was a serious situation, however people managed to avoid talking about it, and it wasn’t really heard on campus, given the fact that it as such a sensitive thing to talk about. This situation could have been handled better by taking action and giving a talk about suicide to people on campus, teenagers have the right to learn about it, we never know if it could be affecting someone’s life. Sometimes “the talk” is really all that someone needs to know that depression can be treated, it can save a life. Suicide is 100% preventable.

A survey was conducted among 37 students of different grades to see what they know about depression, and what they think about discussing depression and suicide. The results were the following:

• 100% of the people who took the survey said that they know of someone who has been depressed.

•99% agree that adults avoid talking about depression and suicide.

•38% of them said they have felt sad for no apparent reason, which is a minor symptom of sadness; which can lead to depression.

The truth is, suicide and depression is hard to talk about, but it’s something we must do for everyone’s own good. People who suffer from depression need to know that it CAN be treated and it CAN be cured.

If you think you are suffering from depression, take a look at the following symptoms:

•Feelings of sadness or unhappiness

•Irritability or frustration, even over small matters

•Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities

•Insomnia or excessive sleeping

•Changes in appetite

•Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

•Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

•Indecisiveness, distractibility and decreased concentration

•Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy — even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort

•Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things aren't going right

•Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

•Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

•Crying spells for no apparent reason

•Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

If you have a number of these symptoms, you might be suffering from depression. You need to know that you’re not alone. Many people suffer from depression, and it can be fixed. If you are depressed or having suicidal thoughts you must get professional help immediately: You can contact the school’s physiologist through your counselor or call

(619)628-3614.

You can also call suicide crisis hotlines: 1-800-784-2433

(714) 639-8336

You should also know that you’re NOT alone, and there’s ALWAYS someone out there who CARES and LOVES you unconditionally.

Sources: http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html

http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-suicide/teen-suicide-statistics.html

http://www.suhsd.k12.ca.us/soh/?page_id=1097

Raiders want their teacher

By Jasmine Straw

Last year, there was a lot of ruckus about an AP class that wasn't going to be offered at our school. This class was AP Physics. For our students to be able to get this course offered, many signed a petition and even argued with the principal about why the class should be offered.

Earlier that year, our parents and students fought to keep two of our teachers, Mr. Orin and Miss Waters, expecting to see them on campus this year. To the student's great surprise, they did not see them that following school year. The courses that they had once taught were being taught by a new teacher, or no teacher at all.

In room 905, AP Physics, CP Physics, and Earth Science are supposed to taught, yet there is still no permanent teacher in that spot. It has been over a month since school started and there is still no actual learning going on. Many, if not all, students are getting rather upset about this, even their parents.

At Open House, many of the AP Physics students' parents came to open and complained to the principal about this issue. There, parents were told that there was a teacher being put into the position and that it would take 3-5 business days until said teacher would be finished signing the contract. Yet eight "business days" later, there is still a substitute teacher in that position.

The students are asking their substitute when they are supposed to be getting their teacher, but even she doesn't know. It seems like everything about this is being kept in the dark and the students can only hope that they have their teacher when they walk into the class. They definitely have been more than patient.

Go to the Library!

Experience other worlds
By Vianney Casas


Experiencing Romeo and Juliet's romance by their side can be possible. Living surrounded by the Cullens, or doing magic tricks next to Harry Potter can happen. How? The answer has always been there, Raiders. No time machine needed, no magic spells either. You just need your school I.D. and willingness to read.

Here at SOH, we have an awesome library containing worlds waiting to be discovered by you. Why should you read the books at our library? The right questions is: Why shouldn't you? Don't you get bored or tired of the same things, same people, same places every single day? Well, here's the opportunity to travel without a passport or a plain ticket. You choose your destination; you choose what you want to live.


Our library contains all kinds of books: fiction, non-fiction, romance, horror, health, fashion, fantasy, manga, sports - just to name a few. Whether you want to live a high school drama, fall in love, experience the greatest adventure, witness a murder, or even go into the past. It's all there in our library.


Just get your I.D. card and prepare yourself mentally that there will be no turning back. Once you get in the library, you'll never want to get out. And for a second you might hear the books talking to you, asking you to take them with you. Once you have decided to do so, you've gotten yourself in the most amazing thing. Because once you have the book, you got a world you've never been to before right in your hands. Enjoy it.






"There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry -
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll -
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul -"
-Emily Dickinson

Sancastles at the beach

IB Hosts Annual Sandcastles Event
By Vianney Casas

Where were you two weeks ago? Where you partying? Chilling at home? Or were you at the beach admiring the beautiful jaw-dropping sand castles? If you weren’t able to go, you must’ve felt like you were the only person left in the planet, and that’s because almost EVERY person in San Diego, and in all parts of the country went. They have been going for years; it has become a famous tradition and a must on their summer list. So what was this year’s Sand Castles like? Let me break it down for you.

The sun woke up early, just as the people got ready their beach balls, cameras, bikinis, beach towels, and got ready for a day full of fun. Unfortunately, some were not able to reach the beach since the line was so long they couldn’t even try getting to it. So what was the secret of those who could actually get to the beach? “Just get there as early as you can if you don’t want any stress” would be their advice. When they got there, they’ve must have felt regret for even showing up. The beach was packed with people from all over the country. Wherever they looked they would find people, which would make them think the event was called “People” instead of “Sand Castles”. If that wasn’t enough, the streets which were filled with stands selling food, jewelry and doing body art were also packed with cars and people. It was also very hot, too hot probably and the tension and stress from all the kids missing, made it seem hotter. “Why did I come here again?” people must have asked themselves. But once they made their way through all the people, and got to what they’d been there for in the first place it was all right. Seeing people making sand castles and admiring the different classifications such as sea creatures and famous monuments suddenly made them forget about all the moms crying for their kids, all the people bumping into them wherever they walked, and the burning hot weather. Suddenly the air got filled with music and all their eyes could see were people playing volleyball, laughing and taking pictures with friends and families, getting a tan or observing the amazing creations made of sand. Sounds like the perfect summer day doesn’t it?

1st Pep Assembly

Rowdy Raiders Make Some Noise

By: Stephanie Mesa

Who rocks the house? The Raiders rock the house! On Friday, August 6^th, the first pep assembly took place in the football field. Being the first assembly of the school year, different class and raider pride shirts were seen around campus.

The assembly took place during second period and began with a welcome speech by our ASB president, Azael Rodriquez, followed by our principal, Dr. Armstrong. Next, the ladies cheered loud for Luis “El Aventurero” as he gave his unforgettable performance with the mariachi. Then, Southwest High’s Band and Color Guard led by Mrs. Clark played various tunes for the audience. During the ASB activity, a hilarious relay race, the class of 2011 took victory. Last, all the classes faced each other for the spirit yell. Competition was tight between the sophomores and seniors, but seniors ended up taking victory again. Finally, the whole school got together to sing the Alma Matter with pride!

With all the fun activities and great performances, you will assume that the assembly turned out to be a total success. Or did it? Unfortunately, some raiders took advantage of the fact that the assembly was outdoors on the football field and decided to act inappropriately. Mr. Wahib, the new assistant principal, warned everyone that that there was a fight, which we won't tolerate at our school. The ASB also had a hard time trying to get everyone settled down, after working very hard for weeks to get this assembly to be perfect. The spirit yell was when mostly everything got out of control; the seniors were jumping on chairs and on other people’s shoulders even after they told them multiple times to stop. This bizarre behavior had some people scared of going up with their class during the spirit yell and show pride.

Always remember, Raiders, assemblies are privileges. Do we really think our staff and ASB will keep having these assemblies for us if we can’t act appropriately? Probably not. The next assembly is the Fall Sports Assembly on September 17. This time, let’s show the administration that we’re thankful for having assemblies and let's behave appropriately.

Gay Marriage Court ruling

Prop 8 Overturned

By: Norma Ortiz

Have you heard of prop 8? This was an bill passed out on 2008 which stated that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." For years there have been questions to whether or not gay-marriage should exist, that was answered on August 4, 2010. A federal judge in San Francisco overturned California's ban of gay-marriage believing that it violates the human right to equal protection. It is believed that this struggle will end with the Supreme Court, who will have to officially decide whether this ruling is constitutional or not.

When making this very important and somewhat chaotic decision, Judge Walker explained that what the voters decided should be taken into consideration but he also explained how this isn’t official just yet. What the judge wrote was, "voters' determinations must find at least some support in evidence. This is especially so when those determinations enact into law classifications of persons." He was basically saying that this decision is an important one that will impact not a few but thousands of people across the state so it is necessary to provide evidence that this decision is the right one.

The eventual outcome of this ruling remains to be seen, as further court challenges await this controversial ruling.

2010 Comic Con

Action Heroes Come to San Diego

By: Stephanie Mesa

The annual Comic Con took place in the San Diego Convention Center from July 22nd to July 25th. Comic Con happens every year in San Diego and it attracts people and stars from all over the world. Many get to see on TV or hear on the radio what's going on during the event, but nothing compares to actually going and experiencing it. Even though Comic Con was the news of the week during many classes, many Raiders still wonder what exactly is Comic Con?

Comic Con is a big convention where many artists expose their art, many directors promote their upcoming movies, and many other things! When you're at Comic Con, you get to see many different kinds of art and buy all kinds of things: from comic books, to movies, funny hats, etc. Maybe if you're lucky, you might just happen to see a famous person walking around such as one of our raiders, Kyle Macabasco, who was lucky to get last-minute ticketsand got to meet Shawn Merriman, linebacker for the San Diego Chargers. Another Raider who had the opportunity to attend was Jonathan Millan who met Ray Toro, guitarist for the rock band 'My Chemical Romance'. Being a big art fan Jonathan also said: "I got to meet one of my favorite painters, Alex Pardee!" Among other people walking around Comic Con this year were the famous Mythbusters and director, Guillermo del Toro.

One of the stand-out events of this year was preview night, where the crowd cheered for Angelina Jolie while she was talking about her new movie, Salt. Other people at preview night were the cast of Resident Evil. One of the funniest events that happens every year is the Zombie Walk. In the Zombie Walk everyone dresses and paints their face like a zombie and they walk around the Convention Center.

Many people say they don't want to go to Comic Con because it's expensive and they don't want to waste money on something they might not like. So, if you want to see what Comic Con is all about but not waste money, you could sign up to volunteer next year! You can help out during the event, and get a glance of what is going on. You can sign up on the Comic Con website. No matter what you do during Comic Con, you are always guaranteed to have a good time. Let's hope that Comic Con returns to San Diego next year!