September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Month. This is a time to come together as a community to acknowledge and
recognize the importance of raising awareness around this important issue. As a
community that cares about one another, we can all play a role in supporting
each other.
At this time in the semester, things can begin to feel
overwhelming. I encourage you, despite the pressure of rigorous academic work,
to prioritize your mental health and wellbeing and be gracious with yourself.
Be sure you are making time to spend time with friends and family, and doing
things you enjoy. We are at our best when we are fully ourselves and grounded
in our relationships and connection to others. Even when things seem difficult
or isolating, you are never alone. Your university family cares deeply about
you and your future.
As a community, it’s important to be there for others and to
watch for signs of friends, students, colleagues, and classmates who may be
struggling. Many suicides can be prevented by caring individuals who recognize
the red flags:
· Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
· Sudden decrease in school performance and behavior issues
· Drop in work performance
· Changes in hygiene and appearance
· Increased irritability
· Feelings of hopelessness or being a burden
· Talk of death, dying, or not wanting to be around anymore
· Researching possible suicide methods
Resources are available if you are or know someone who may
be struggling. I encourage you to reach out to our campus counseling centers at
Bloomsburg,
Lock Haven, and Mansfield.
The 988 Suicide and
Crisis Lifeline is a free resource available 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year.
As we work hard to achieve our goals, let’s remember to lean
on each other and look out for one another. We’re all in this together and I am
proud to be part of a community that supports, uplifts, and truly cares about
each other.
