SUU's 2024 Suicide Prevention Week
Posted: March 18, 2024 | Author: Samantha Price | Read Time: 3 minutes
In the quiet corners of our lives, where whispers of despair may linger, there exists a profound need for understanding, empathy, and support. As we approach Suicide Prevention Week at SUU, we embark on a collective journey to break the silence surrounding mental health challenges and extend a hand of compassion to those who may be navigating the shadows of despair. As an early content warning, this article talks about suicide and death, which are potentially triggering topics. Viewer discretion is advised.
Suicide Prevention Week is not merely a series of events on the calendar; it is a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to create a campus environment that fosters open dialogue, reduces stigma, and provides the resources needed to support one another. In these moments, we strive to become allies in the battle against isolation, reaching out with kindness and empathy to those who may be silently struggling.
This article aims to explore the significance of Suicide Prevention Week at SUU, shedding light on the importance of fostering a culture of understanding and resilience. Through stories, insights, and the voices of those touched by this critical issue, we hope to amplify the message that every individual's well-being is a shared concern.
This week, the Health and Wellness Center has organized various activities each day to help raise awareness for suicide prevention, starting with Honor Beads. This tradition, initiated by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, involves selecting different colored beads corresponding to the ways that suicide has affected us. For example, wearing purple beads signifies you've lost a relative or friend, while wearing teal beads signifies supporting an individual in your life who is struggling with or has suicidal thoughts. If you'd like to show your support for this cause, colored beads can be picked up outside the Health and Wellness Center on Monday, March 18th, from 11 am to 1 pm.
On Tuesday, March 19th, the Health and Wellness Center is sponsoring a QPR Suicide Prevention training, which stands for question, persuade, refer, put on by the QPR Institute. This training is free and offers advice and methods to help support someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. The session will be held in the Cedar Breaks Room from 11 am to 12:30 pm.
On Thursday, March 21st, the Health and Wellness Center is offering the chance for anyone who knows someone struggling to write a letter to that person. This exercise aims to reach out to the people we care about and share support with them, so they don't feel alone! The activity will take place in the Health and Wellness Center from 11 am to 1 pm, so stop by to show your support!
Of all the events hosted during Suicide Prevention Week at SUU, this is one you don't want to miss! SUU has partnered with the Utah Shakespeare Festival to offer an outstanding performance of "Every Brilliant Thing," a moving story about finding hope in the midst of struggles in our lives and how to grow and fortify ourselves with happiness! This production will be hosted both on Friday, March 22nd, from 7 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday, March 23rd, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. You can watch these performances at the SUU Auditorium.
Our staff at the Health and Wellness Center want you to know that you can do this! Suicide prevention week brings awareness to a topic that continues to be surrounded by stigma and that affects our very own communities. During this week, we hope that the SUU community will not only learn about suicide prevention skills and efforts but also feel the hope that comes from this work. Most importantly, we want people to know that they are not alone!
If you'd like to look into any of the events as we prepare for Suicide Prevention Week at SUU, here is a list of links to learn more:
● American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Honor Beads
● QPR Institute - Suicide Prevention Training