by Mackenzie Best and Katelynn Braun, Peer Educators in the Student Counseling & Wellness Center
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
Every year, thousands of college students across the United States struggle silently with thoughts of suicide, and tragically, for some, those thoughts turn into actions. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college-aged individuals. These numbers are more than just data; they represent real lives, real losses and a critical call to action.
Suicide is preventable, but only if it is talked about. Here at The Woods, we stand together to help break down the stigma. This month, our peer educators in the Student Counseling & Wellness Center have placed educational boards and posters around campus, tabled for our Emotions Bingo, hosted awareness events and have been heavily involved in orientation by highlighting to all students the services offered and how to access them.
Talking about suicide is one thing, but acting is another. The team at the Student Counselling & Wellness Center takes great pride in providing resources to our students to help minimize the rates and impacts of suicide. This is through licensed staff members who can attend to all levels of needs. TimelyCare provides access 24/7 for those who need after-hours crisis support and one-on-one counseling services.
To reduce the impact of suicide, we want to create a culture of care where all students feel safe to reach out for help and feel comfortable to seek available resources. Adopting a culture of care means checking in on each other, being educated on how and where to guide someone if they need help, but most importantly, adopting a culture of care is knowing and understanding that it is OKAY to not be okay, and it is okay to lean on others for support. Seeking support is a sign of bravery and strength, and we admire that here at The Woods.
No Pomeroy should weather the storm alone; one in, all in. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
About the authors:
Mackenzie Best is a Peer Mental Health and Wellness Educator who is a freshman Sports Management major and is on the women’s soccer team.
Katelynn Braun is a Peer Mental Health and Wellness Educator who is a senior Nursing major and is on the women’s cross country team.
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