By Paige Dane, Sophomore, Hastings
September is suicide prevention month. It is a time to raise awareness and decrease the stigma around the topic of suicide. It is also a time for sharing crucial information as well as spreading hope to those affected by suicide.
It is crucial to spread awareness about this topic among colleges and universities. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, “Suicide is a leading cause of death among college and university students in the United States.” There are countless students who grapple with suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues.
Furthermore, a study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that over a period of 12 months, “41% of students felt so depressed that it was difficult to function and 62% felt overwhelming anxiety.” It is crucial for colleges to recognize these problems and plan a course of action.
Most of the time, mental health problems begin around the ages of 18 to 24, so colleges are in an ideal position to help people. Students’ struggles with mental health can poorly impact their academics, social life, and overall health. By increasing help-seeking behavior, providing mental health services and promoting social connectedness, colleges can prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of their student population.
Students can also play a crucial role in this course of action through becoming an advocate for the mental health of their peers. Students should learn to recognize the warning signs of mental health issues. Learning how to talk to peers, being supportive of others, practicing self-care, managing emotions and utilizing help-seeking behaviors are all ways that students can have a positive influence.
Talking to peers is crucial, especially if you know or feel another student is struggling. Seeking out mental health groups on campus or being an advocate for student resources is another way for students to help their peers. It is critical for all students to manage their stress by practicing self-care.
This could include participating in social events, spending time with friends, taking “me time,” getting a sufficient amount of sleep, exercising, and seeking help when necessary. By taking action around problems regarding mental health, we can increase suicide awareness and decrease the stigma.