Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24, and during the past 12 months, 10.3 percent of college students have seriously considered suicide, according to the University Health Center at the University of Georgia. Despite these high numbers, suicide remains preventable with the right assistance.
Oftentimes, students know that things such as suicide and mental disorders are happening all around them, but they don’t know how to help. Suicide Awareness Week, hosted at the University of Oregon from May 20-24 gives students the opportunity to learn more about what suicide looks like on a college campus and how it can be prevented.
“This event is made so we can get out and directly interact with students and give them information, answer questions and provide a place so the campus can know where to get information about suicide prevention,” Donna Miller, Suicide Prevention Team coordinator, said.
Events will begin on Monday with a flag display in the quad between the Lillis Business Complex and the Knight Library. Each one of the 1,200 white flags on the lawn will represent the lives of college students who have committed suicide.
Along with this representation of the losses, on Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the University Counseling and Testing Center, the Suicide Prevention Team, UO Active Minds, White Bird Medical Clinic, Lane County Crisis and National Alliance on Mental Illness will have tables set up at the EMU right above the amphitheater.
“It was extremely important for UO Active Minds to collaborate with the UCTC in hosting Suicide Awareness Week because it is closely related to our mission,” Marita Barger said, who is a current member of Active Minds. “Many college students suffer from stress, anxiety and depression due to a heavy course load and being away from their families. It is common for these students to contemplate suicide. They should know of the resources available at UO that are there to help them get through difficult and trying times.”
Following the important messages spread on Monday, speaker Kevin Hines will speak to students on Tuesday about his experience of having survived a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and living with bipolar disorder.
In addition, the Global Scholars Hall will present the film “The Truth about Suicide: Real stories of Depression in College” on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
To close the event, UO Active Minds will host Stomp Out the Stigma for the second year in a row in the EMU amphitheater, an event that will inform individuals on how to talk to someone contemplating suicide.