Elon’s Counseling Services hosts activities and educational opportunities in observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.
Every year, mental health organizations, student groups and individuals across the U.S. and worldwide bring awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month.
Elon’s Counseling Services looks forward to raising awareness of this important public health concern by sharing accessible resources, reducing the stigma of mental illness, and increasing interpersonal connections through several hosted activities and educational opportunities during Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 10-16. The following are the events in observance of the week:
Monday, Sept. 11: You Matter, Today and Every Day.
Key Message: There are things that we can do to support our own mental health.
- We all need a check-up from the neck up! Complete a free, anonymous online mental health screening through MindWise Innovations. Several screening options include general well-being, alcohol use, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and disordered eating.
- Find great Self-care Tips and Strategies from Counseling Services on our Instagram @elon_counseling.
- Share your own tips and strategies too! Post your favorite self-care tips, strategies, resources, podcasts, books, etc.” and Tag @elon_counseling services for a chance to win a prize!
Tuesday, Sept. 12: You Matter. Support Others.
Key Message: It’s always a good time to show someone you care.
- You may be in the perfect position to recognize a friend in distress and offer support to help them get the help they need. Complete the Kognito At-Risk online simulation training to learn about signs of distress and practice what to say that could help.
- Be the friend who (asks and) listens. Visit Counseling Services on Instagram to learn more about how you can show your care and concern.
- Offer a note of hope, gratitude and support to build our Gratitude Heart located on the Moseley Center first floor. Read and be inspired by what others have written as well.
Wednesday, Sept. 13: You Matter. Changing the Narrative on Mental Health and Suicide.
Key Message: We all have a mental health journey, let’s start talking about it.
- Mental Health Myths, Facts & Figures. What you should know and where to find help.
- Brighten someone’s path. Write or decorate an encouraging message (“You are Amazing!” Hold on to Hope.” “We need you here!”) on the walking paths across campus (sidewalk chalk will be provided).
- Share a word or picture of the people, pets, places, and things that support your positive mental health at Elon. Post and Tag @elon_counseling services for a chance to win a prize!
Thursday, Sept. 14: You Matter. Help is here.
Key Message: We all have a mental health journey, let’s start talking about it.
- Pinwheel Display. There will be pinwheels set up in Young Commons to bring awareness and encourage dialogue. Each pinwheel represents the life of a college student lost to suicide each year. We hope to increase awareness that this is a challenge faced by many and encourage people to speak about their experiences. You do not have to suffer in silence. You are not alone.
- Counseling support will be available all day through TimelyCare’s TalkNow Service.
- A Counselor will be available on-site periodically throughout the day.
- Wear purple and teal day. The purple and turquoise ribbon symbolizes suicide awareness and prevention and serves as a reminder that suicide is an issue we need to talk about.
Friday, Sept. 15: You Matter. The World Needs You Here.
Key Message: Your life makes a difference.
- Reflection on the events of the week.
- A message from Counseling Services.
- Mental Health Hike – Join the Office of Sustainability and Counseling Services for an inclusive hike to experience and explore the ways being in nature can support your holistic wellness. Transportation provided. Meet at Shallow Ford Natural Area, 3-5 p.m. Registration required.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or thinking about suicide, help and hope are available.
- Call 336-278-2222 to reach Elon’s 24/7 Crisis Counselor-on-Call.
- Call 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
- Text “TALK” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
The week’s activities were made possible in part due to the financial donation of the Theofel Family Mental Health Endowment. For more information, please contact Counseling Services at (336) 278-7280.