By: Caroline Averitt | Staff Writer
The Counseling Center held a virtual presentation Thursday to teach students how to have conversations about mental health in observation of Suicide Prevention Week. The presentation was titled “Take 5 to Save Lives: Suicide Prevention Awareness Presentation” and explained the five steps for working toward suicide prevention.
These five steps are learn, know, do, talk and share. Pat Glascock, the associate director of the Counseling Center, led this presentation. She discussed common misconceptions, signs and health factors of suicide.
Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in Arkansas. Nationally, it is the 2nd leading cause of death for those aged 10-34. Pat Glascock explained that talking openly about suicide and noticing the signs can decrease the numbers of death by suicide.
“We need to be more open,” Glascock said.
She included three takeaways in her presentation: suicide is preventable, help is available and treatment works.
Arkansas State University has resources for students who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or have a friend that they are concerned about. The Counseling Center can be reached by their number (870) 272-2318 or email counseling@astate.edu during business hours. After hours, students are encouraged to call University Police with the number (870) 972-2093, where they can contact one of A-State’s on-call counselors. When off campus, students should call 911 for emergencies or the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number, 988. The United States also has a national Crisis Text Line that can be reached by texting the number 741741.
The Counseling Center has other mental health resources available to students with no additional fees. They can go to individual counseling or they can attend group counseling over specific topics such as depression, anxiety or test performance.
There are also support groups that students can join after completing a screening. These include graduate student, LGBTQ+ and sexual assault support groups. They also have an online link to an anonymous mental health screening. There will also be free and confidential screenings for depression Oct 6 at the Counseling Center.
“I want students to know they are not alone,” Glascock said.
She explained that over half of those that commit suicide did not seek treatment. She wanted students to know that there are many resources available to them and to take advantage of them if they are needed. Pat Glascock concluded by saying, “don’t struggle alone.”
Categories: News
Leave a Reply