This is Suicide Prevention

A few months ago, I was informed that my distant family member died by suicide. Although I didn’t know him very well, his absence has deeply impacted my family. Through this loss, I learned that it is critical to check in with the people we care about and create strong connections so people are not afraid to share when they are struggling.

Talking to our friends or peers about suicide can be difficult. No matter how hard or awkward it might seem, it’s crucial that we have these conversations with those we care most about. September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, which, in my opinion, is one of the most important awareness months because simple acts of raising awareness about suicide can save a life.

The loss in my family inspired me to get involved with the University of Utah’s annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness campaign with the Center for Campus Wellness to work to stop suicide on campus.

Results from the 2023 National College Health Assessment show that the most common suicidal behaviors students at the University of Utah experience are self-injury (27%), followed by suicidal ideation (13%), having a suicide plan (7%), and attempting suicide (1%).

This data suggests that students are struggling to the point where they are harming themselves, as well as thinking about or are in a crisis where they could die by suicide. This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. 

The theme for this year's campaign - This is Suicide Prevention - means a lot to me. In high school, I was involved in a similar suicide prevention group called Hope Squad where we wanted the school to know that the work we were doing was suicide prevention. I believe this them is a simple and straightforward way to communicate our goals and identify the many simple actions we can take are also ways to prevent suicide. 

 Throughout September, the CCW will be on campus offering informational and exciting opportunities where students can come and learn how to send a text to a friend to check in with them or to generally share your appreciation for the people in your life. Acts as regular as a check-in text are a form of suicide prevention!

Throughout the month, we are hosting several great opportunities and our goal is to show people that there are many ways that we can foster a culture of well-being.

Learn about how you can get involved on campus with our efforts to raise awareness about suicide prevention, support those affected, and foster skills that can foster a culture of mental health.

Here’s a look at some of our upcoming events:

 

Hope is Possible  & Support is Available

One thing I’ve learned through working on this campaign is that there are many ways to practice emotional wellness, and that there are resources on campus where you can get support long before something develops into a crisis.

For example, if you’re feeling lonely, noticing stress building, or want support accessing mental health care, the University's Peer Wellbeing Ambassadors at the Center for Campus Wellness are here to  help you locate and access the support you need!

Professional care with the University Counseling Center may be a good option for those looking to get that extra support that individual or group therapy can provide. If you’re considering medication to support your emotional wellness, the UCC also offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management services at a discounted rate! Also, the Counseling Center is a fabulous resource for learning additional skills and strategies to care for your wellbeing.

Additionally, there are several resources to support those in crisis. For example, calling the University Counseling Center can get you connect to professional support with a crisis counselor during business hours. Similarly, the Mental Health First Responders can provide after-hours support from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am and can come to students anywhere on campus!

Finally, if you are in a crisis but are not on campus, you can get support by calling or texting 988 or downloading the Safe UT app.

You are not alone!