Ending the Stigma: Suicide Awareness
Written by Sophia Gallo
Each year, 1,000 college students commit suicide. That’s 1,000 families having to say goodbye to a loved one. 1,000 meals being served with one less plate, and 1,000 beautiful souls that will forever be missed. Across the United States and the rest of the world, mental health-related issues are seen as an epidemic and continue to grow at an alarming rate. In 15–29-year-olds, suicide is the third leading cause of death but is completely preventable.
September is national suicide awareness month and is an important way to spread awareness and show how we can look out for our loved ones. Throughout the month, communities gather to destigmatize talking about mental health and connect with other individuals about their personal experiences.
At the University of Saint Joseph, teal and purple flags were displayed in front of Lynch Hall to represent each of the 1,000 college students who take their lives every year. This was a small, yet powerful movement to show the reality of suicide and the aftermath of grief.
As the mental health epidemic continues to grow, USJ is working to build a safer community for students. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organization created a chapter at the university and is working to promote positivity and spread awareness around campus.
If you know anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide or other mental health-related issues, don’t hesitate to reach out and see if there is anything you can do to help them. There are services dedicated to helping individuals, and the suicide crisis line is 988.
Featured Photograph complied by Sophia Gallo