College can be an incredible experience in which individuals are allowed the freedom to learn, grow and find their place in the world.
However, it can also be a time full of stress and anxiety. Not only do we live in a society where there is a tremendous amount of pressure to succeed, but college is also a time of immense change during which many individuals struggle with mental health issues.
As September draws to a close, it”s important to remember this month is about more than cooler weather and pumpkin spice lattes. As National Suicide Prevention Month, September is a time to spread awareness and prompt discussions about a growing social issue that can”t be talked about enough.
According to a College Degree Search (CDS) article on student suicides, suicide rates among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 have tripled since the 1950s.
The CDS article also reports that 6 percent of undergraduates and 4 percent of graduate students have “seriously attempted committing suicide in the past year,” but that nearly half of the group did not tell anyone. Regardless of the steps taken through the years, suicide and mental illness are still topics that society is uncomfortable being open about.
One of the best ways to break down those walls is to not only become more aware of the influencing factors of mental illness and their symptoms, but also to spread awareness to others about how to contribute to suicide prevention.
An excellent way to spread awareness as well as to get help for depression and other mental illnesses is to use the resources provided around campus.
The Counseling and Testing Center provides free counseling services to all students, ranging from individual and group counseling, to stress and anxiety management or even career guidance and counseling. They also provide a wealth information about the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, as well as how individuals can reach out and help those struggling with these things.
When it comes to helping others, it”s important to be aware of potential signs and symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses exhibited by friends, family or community members.
Helping can also be as simple as being a source of positive support for others. A question as common as, “How are you doing today?” can hold a lot of power.
Many are afraid to talk about sensitive subjects like anxiety and depression out of fear of being judged or alienated for the way they feel. Maintaining an open and supportive environment is key to starting these conversations and taking steps toward encouraging those struggling with mental illness to seek professional help.
When it comes to helping yourself, it”s important to remember that at the end of the day, everything will be OK. If you”ve missed an assignment, failed a test or are overwhelmed by the stressors of life back home or social tensions with others on campus, just remember it will all work out. Sit down, take some time for yourself and breath. School is important, but nothing is more important than your health or mental welfare.
It”s OK to struggle with mental illness. It”s OK to feel afraid or overwhelmed by life and it”s OK to talk about it. The important part is no matter where you are, the University of Idaho community is a place where there will always be someone there for you.
While September may be almost over, the conversations about suicide prevention, how to break down the societal stigmas surrounding mental illness and how to help yourself as well as those struggling with mental illness or thoughts of suicide do not have to end.
The month may serve as a catalyst for these kinds of conversations but it”s important that as a community we continue to actively focus on the ways in which we can prevent suicides and reach out to those in need.
–CB