September was National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide has claimed the lives of many individuals and creates a chain effect of pain and loss to the families and friends who have felt the loss of it. According to the World Health Organization, 720,000 people die due to suicide every year. In 2023 it surpassed to over 50,000. For those trying to understand why someone would want to take their own life is to be in the shoes of someone who is suffering, the chains that can weigh down a person. The signs of suicide can include withdrawing from others, self-destructive behavior, or talking about ending one’s life. 

For college students, it should be a goal to be educated to set forth a better future for ourselves. It can be a stressful time. Making sure that high grades are met every semester, having a job, getting an internship, and still finding time to sleep 8 hours a day. To survive under the pressure of adult life.  Just like physical health, prioritizing our emotional well-being is a big factor in thriving. Many individuals, such as students and staff, suffer in silence.  

Some of the resources available at Rowan include the Wellness Center counseling such as UWill, which is a free and confidential teletherapy session for Rowan students. Let’s Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal, confidential counseling. Another available resource that can be utilized is Rowan Thrive. They dedicate themselves to students’ well-being. Whether that is physical, social, emotional, community, purpose, or financial well-being. 

In past years, there have been acts of suicide at Rowan University. Along with nationwide occurrences of suicides, the awareness of mental health has become more prevalent, especially since the pandemic. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has recognized that “increasing awareness of and access to mental health and suicide prevention resources, both on and off campus, is a crucial step toward improving student health and wellbeing and to reducing the rate of suicide among college-aged students in the U.S. Students, faculty, and staff must be notified at least annually of what resources are available and how to access those resources.” 

The Wellness Center has been advocating for mental health on campus and providing the resources to connect students to what they need and recognize what signs indicate someone may need help. 

“Anyone can work with people to not be a bystander but to help someone,” said Assistant Director of Rowan Thrive, Lindsay Johnson. 

 Addressing the awareness of mental health can help prevent the action of suicide and can ultimately be life-saving for anyone. It can be seen as uncomfortable to talk about the topic of mental health and the reality that suicide can affect anyone. 

“We in the collective mental health field have done a good job alerting students to what services are. Utilizing services that are not just the wellness center when we are talking about mental health. Every resource can address well-being,” said Allie Pearce, Assistant Director of Health Education and Innovation. 

Senior communications major Allison Hillman said, “To any of my peers struggling with thoughts of suicide and hopelessness, I just need them to know that they’re not alone in their struggles. Most times, the peers sitting next to you are also dealing with the same stuff. We need to lean on each other in order to build community. Never be afraid to reach out for help.” 

Sophomore computer science major Konstantinos Sazos said, “I believe prioritizing mental health is not optional but rather fundamental because it is the foundation of a balanced and fulfilling life. For me, going to the gym and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is a way to prioritize my mental health. Lastly, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a heroic step towards healing, growth, and embracing the best version of yourself.”

The number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 988. These resources are available and accessible to anyone at any time. 

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