As September arrives, marking Suicide Prevention Month, it’s time for us to confront an issue that often stays in the background: mental health struggles and suicide. Even though awareness is growing, the stigma around mental health issues still makes it hard for people to get the help they need or even talk about their issues.
Our college campus, like many others, is a hotspot for these challenges, with students often feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of academics, social life and other personal issues. Many deal with these struggles silently, highlighting the urgent need for us to step up and have open conversations about mental health.
Suicide prevention isn’t just up to mental health professionals — it’s something all of us need to be involved with. Building a campus culture that truly supports mental health goes beyond just offering resources; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable talking about their problems and asking for help without feeling judged. While our campus has counseling services and other resources, they’re often underutilized because of lingering stigma or simply lack of awareness, with students not even knowing they’re available.
It’s important to remember that while these services are vital, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. We also need to break down the cultural and systemic barriers that keep students from seeking help. So, what can we do to make a real difference?
Start by organizing campuswide events, workshops and discussions that focus on mental health. These activities can boost awareness and help make it normal to talk about and seek support for mental health issues. We need to reduce stigma by having open conversations about mental health and encouraging each other to reach out when we need help.
Peer support is crucial, as well. By training students to recognize signs of distress and giving them the tools to offer support, we can build a strong network of care.
Also, it’s essential to make sure that mental health resources are easy to find and then promote them, especially during stressful times like exams. Offering 24/7 crisis support and encouraging self-care practices, like stress management workshops, mindfulness sessions and physical activities, can help prevent problems from getting worse.
Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that addressing mental health is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. We should encourage regular check-ins and maintain a culture of continuous support throughout the academic year, not just during Suicide Prevention Month.
Establishing student-led mental health clubs or support groups can create a reliable safety net for students. By making mental health a regular part of campus life, we can ensure that support is always available and that students feel a constant sense of community.
Small everyday actions like reaching out to friends who might seem off or simply being an active listener can make a significant impact. Creating a campus environment where mental health is integrated into our daily interactions can foster a more compassionate and resilient community.
Let’s break the silence together. Get involved in campus mental health initiatives, participate in awareness events and be there for your peers. Sometimes, just starting a conversation can make all the difference. By working together, we can build a community where mental health is prioritized and everyone has the resources they need to thrive.
Emma Bulman is a senior graphic communications major from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Emma can be reached at [email protected].
