Suicide Prevention Week Events and Resources
Posted: September 14, 2016 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 4 minutes
Several groups at Southern Utah University are partnering together to bring awareness to suicide and suicide prevention this week as part of the National Suicide Prevention Week. SUU offers resources for anyone seeking help and support through the office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Members of the SUU Care and Support Team (CAST), Active Minds, and Real Peers also stand ready to listen and serve those in need.
“We have increased our efforts to support students inside and outside of the classroom,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Brad Cook. “One particularly effective approach to support students who may be having suicidal thoughts, experiencing emotional distress, or mental health problems is to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding open communication.”
The University wants to provide a safe, supportive and caring campus for all students. By offering several avenues to seek help, students can choose from a variety of services and student support groups that best fit their needs.
Dr. Curtis Hill, director of CAPS, explained the purpose of his department is to help SUU students achieve their educational, career and personal goals.
“Students are going to run into roadblocks that make focusing on school and their overall wellbeing a challenge,” said Hill. “We provide a safe, confidential place where we can address those roadblocks and collaborate together to find ways to remove those stresses. We are here to assist them in addressing the pressure and conflicts that may distract them from achieving their full potential.”
CAPS is located in a new location at 136 West Center Street and is staffed with experienced licensed mental health professionals including psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors who work with students to reduce the interference of everyday stress and also treat more serious conditions. CAPS offers individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, biofeedback and workshops.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts please get help. There is a list of national hotlines and campus resources below.
Friends and family who may know someone struggling with depression or suicide are also encouraged to contact one of the resources below. You may be able to help someone in dire need.
Suicide Prevention Events
Wednesday, September 14 - You Are Supported
Members of CAST will be attaching messages of hope to poles and trees around campus. There will also be encouraging notes on several classroom whiteboards.
Thursday, September 15 - Anonymous Chalkboards
There will be chalkboards set up across campus where students can anonymously identify and support other students struggling with mental health issues. Boards will be in place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the library and in the student center.
Thursday, September 15 - Walk for Life at 6 p.m.
There will be a community-wide walk beginning at Main Street Park and ending on campus. The goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
For Immediate Help
Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-TALK “No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living.” Available to chat 24/7.
LGBTQ Suicide Prevention- “If you’re thinking about suicide, you deserve immediate help.” -The Trevor Lifeline. 866-488-7386.
U Lifeline is an online resource for college mental health. Text "START" to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veteran’s Crisis Line offers confidential help for veterans and their families. 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 o Text to 838255
On Campus Resources
CAPS is staffed with experienced licensed mental health professionals including psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors who work with students to reduce the interference of everyday stress and also treat more serious conditions. Contact: (435) 865-8621. Located at 136 W. University Blvd. (Center St.) Cedar City, UT 84720.
CAPS offers services including:
- Individual counseling
- Couples counseling
- Group counseling
- Biofeedback
- Workshops
CAST - The SUU Care and Support Team (CAST) is comprised of trained faculty and staff who are committed to creating an environment at SUU that supports students who may be struggling with emotional distress and mental health issues.Promotes student resiliency by providing a visible network of support on campus for students who are experiencing isolation, sadness, fear, anxiety, or other forms of emotional distress. Contact: cast@suu.edu
CAST members are:
- Good listeners
- Knowledgeable of campus and community resources
- Committed to helping students succeed
- CAST members are not: Professional counselors
Let’s Talk is a program that provides drop-in consultations at locations around campus for SUU students. It’s free, no appointment is necessary, and students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Just walk in for an informal, friendly, and confidential consultation. Speaking with a counselor consultant can help provide insight, solutions, and information about other resources. Let’s Talk is not a substitute for formal counseling and doesn’t constitute mental health treatment, but the counseling consultants can listen to your specific problems and introduce you to what it’s like to speak to a member of our staff. No topic is off-limits.
Common concerns include:
- Stress
- Sadness
- Relationships
- Family problems
- Adjustment
- Family problems
- Worry
- Academic performance
- Financial struggles
- Culture shock
This article was published more than 5 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Tags: Campus Resources
