Contact: Leah Barbour
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Informing, educating and assisting students who may be struggling academically, socially or emotionally is a primary focus at Mississippi State University during its annual observance of Suicide Prevention Month.
While campus-wide resources are available year-round, each September mental health professionals spotlight all programs, organizations and social media outlets available to assist individuals who may need a helping hand.
"Suicide is a 100 percent preventable death, and I think this is why it is so important to provide education," said Kim Kavalsky, mental health outreach coordinator for the health education and wellness department. "Far too many people suffer in silence and never access mental health services that are available, so this is why peers can play an instrumental role in offering hope and connecting someone to services.
"Suicide is an uncomfortable topic to discuss, but I have found that once you begin the conversation, students typically respond," Kavalsky emphasized.
She said MSU's intense efforts to raise awareness through activities and other programs will continue through Oct. 16. They include:
--Sept. 22-26, True Maroon presentations, an opportunity for freshman and transfer students participating in the first-year experience course to learn about the Student Counseling Center and other on-campus mental health resources.
--Oct. 2, Question, Persuade and Refer Suicide Prevention Training, an effort to educate Office of Greek Life representatives in recognizing signs that suggest a person may be considering taking his or her own life.
--Oct. 6-10, National Mental Illness Awareness Week, an ad campaign featuring Messages of Hope on the Drill Field to share inspiring quotes from famous individuals who have struggled with mental illness.
--Oct. 8, depression screenings, to be available 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for students in the first-floor Dawg House lounge of the Colvard Student Union.
--Oct. 9, National Depression Screening Day, to be open noon-2 p.m. in the Pegasus Dining lobby of the Wise Center.
"These activities are an excellent opportunity to reach thousands of people," Kavalsky said. "We can always do more to raise awareness on the issue of suicide."
In addition to the campus-wide Suicide Prevention Month activities, MSU also provides several resources for students facing social, emotional and academic challenges. These include the Student Counseling Services at 140 Magruder St., 662-325-2091; MSU Sexual Assault Services at the Health Education and Wellness office in Henry Meyer Media Center, 662-325-2090; and Counseling and Educational Psychology Clinics at the Barry Box Building on Morrill Road, 662-325-0717.
The MSU Counseling and Educational Psychology Clinics also are open to faculty, staff, and community clients. Additionally, the MSU Psychology Clinic, 662-325- 0270, at 70 Morgan Ave. is open to the community and offers a full range of services.
Off-campus resources include national 24-hour hotlines, such as National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and The Trevor Project for LGBTQs at 1-866-488-7386.
Online assistance is available from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, www.afsp.org; Suicide Prevention Research Center, www.sprc.org; and To Write Love on Her Arms, http://twloha.com.
Learn more about MSU at www.msstate.edu.