September marks the start of Suicide Prevention Month, and World Suicide Prevention Day was September 10. Suicide is among the leading causes of death in college students, according to the National Library of Medicine.
There is always hope for people experiencing suicidal ideation and thoughts. The World Health Organization website, Student Health Center, and Resolve are all accessible resources for Pittsburgh college students. The National Suicide Hotline is now 988, which most adults have remained unaware of, according to a Pew Research survey.
Point Park University Health Center and Counseling Center held an event Friday, September 8 where students could light a luminary for those lost to suicide or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The opportunity to observe was available for students, faculty, and staff after 7pm., where luminaries were continuously lit and placed around Village Park.
It is key to be aware of the warning signs of people contemplating or creating a suicide plan. Events on campus create visibility and more of an accepting environment for individuals who struggle with talking about their mental health. Even when it is difficult, sharing, even to a stranger on a phone line, can release the pressure of trying to ask for help from loved ones.
We as a community need to create space for people, especially those navigating their professional and personal lives. People who continue to go to work, attend school, and care for their loved ones can be in the same headspace as someone who is unable to get out of bed.
It is okay to have times in your life where you cannot give what you want to. We are all just trying to stay alive on a floating rock, and sometimes a Discussion Board due at 11:59 pm. can distract us from living in the current moment.
Specific mental health disorders arise between the ages of 18-24, according to the National Library of Medicine. University students are naturally more susceptible to their academic work being interrupted or set off track due to mental health concerns and crises.
People are valid no matter what their mental health experience is, whether they experience one panic attack or experience several. It is also important to not make mental health journeys a competition, as that can create more damage in the long run compared to short-term jokes.
I would recommend students take a deep breath and pat themselves on the back after this first week. This is an overwhelming time, and any moment spent here truly makes a difference. It is important to talk to your friends, parents, or even your dog as the semester becomes more intense.
People’s capability to take up space and hold space for others should not stop. As the semester wanes, there are still professionals to listen to what you are going through in your life. Staying alive is important enough to worry about no matter the age- whether you are 13, 20, 45, or 81.
