September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the Jed Foundation for Mental Health, about 12.2% of adults aged 18-24 have reported dealing with suicidal thoughts over the past year. Now more than ever, it is important to do what is necessary to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Over the week of Sept. 8-11, Elizabethtown College had a suicide prevention week, where they offered many activities to help raise awareness for suicide prevention. The activities were meant to help encourage students to take a break and help relieve stress.
The Bowers Center hosted many activities over the course of the week. Meditation classes were offered to help relieve stress and allow them to take a moment to focus on their own needs. The class was led by Dr. Long and was a great way to relieve some of the pressures that are a part of being a college student. Other classes at Bowers included a core Pilates class in the evening allowing the people who participated to have a calm end to their day. Both activities were incredibly popular, with them both filling up quickly on the electronic sign-up sheet.
The Baugher Student Center (BSC) also had many activities to partake in during the week. There was an event at the beginning of the week where people were able to spread positive messages throughout campus to help show campus-wide unity. The highlight of the week was the visit from the K-Pets. Those who visited the Bowers center were able to spend time with the K-Pet therapy dogs. These are service dogs that are trained to help provide comfort to those who are struggling either mentally or physically. The event was a great way to bring a part of the community into the campus mission of helping with suicide prevention.
While all of these events were a great way to help raise awareness, it is important to remember that suicide prevention needs to be a year-round goal. By simply being involved in the community, anyone can help people that are struggling with their mental health or suicidal thoughts.
