Kansas State University

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 6-12

Submitted by Shawn Funk

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 6-12 and World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10.

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, individuals and organizations around the country join their voices to broadcast the message that suicide can be prevented and to reach as many people as possible with the tools and resources to support them and those around them. This year's theme of Suicide Prevention Week is Hope, Resilience and Recovery. It truly takes whole communities joining together to make a difference — from individuals and families to workplaces, government agencies and community organizations.

Lafene Health Center and Counseling Services will be on campus on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and Thursday, Sept. 10, to share about the resources available at K-State. You can also follow our social media accounts for resources to help support your mental well-being.

Suicide can be prevented. Most of us have been touched by the tragedy of suicide. We may have lost someone close to us or been moved by the loss of someone we may have never met. When a suicide happens, those left behind often experience deep shock. Even if they knew the person was struggling, they may not have expected suicide would be the result. However, many people who find themselves in a suicide crisis can and do recover. Suicide can be prevented; you can help by taking the following actions:

• Know the signs — Most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. Learn to recognize these warning signs and how to respond to them at kansassuicideprevention.org.
• Build a safety plan — Safety planning is a preventative strategy for managing individual suicide risk and mental health crises. It is something we can do for ourselves or collaboratively with a loved one or a mental health/health care professional. Having a safety plan is like a mental health seat belt: we hope it's never needed, but we take the time and attention to use it anyway. Your safety plan can be written down or you can download the MY3 app on any device.
• Reach out — You are not alone in this. Before having the conversation, become familiar with some resources to offer to the person you are concerned about. Mental health can feel difficult to discuss, but try keeping the dialogue open.

If you are thinking about suicide or are concerned about someone else, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Skilled and trained counselors are available 24/7 to talk, answer questions and help you navigate this challenging situation. You are not alone, and help is a phone call or chat away. K-State Counseling Services is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. When Counseling Services is closed, mental health consultation is available at any time by calling the office number, 785-532-6927.