This week, San Diego State will participate in National Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness about San Diego County’s record-high number in suicide rates—413—last year.
“As part of our comprehensive and ongoing campaign to prevent suicide at SDSU, we are joining together with other local universities to bring information and resources to the college students of San Diego during the upcoming Suicide Prevention Week,” SDSU College of Health and Human Services Dean Marilyn Newhoff said.
SDSU, in conjunction with the University of San Diego; University of California, San Diego; California State University, San Marcos; Mira Costa College; Grossmont College; and San Diego City College, will participate in the Not On My Watch campaign. The campaign’s main focus is to raise awareness about suicide warning signs as well as to help students find the right resources at their respective campuses.
“A lot of time there is stigma on mental health and especially when people are thinking about suicide,” SDSU Active Minds President and peer educator Aerial Cetnar said. “People don’t want to talk about it, but it’s so important to talk about it because if you do then people would be more comfortable getting help.”
To reduce the stigma of mental illness, different organizations will be setting up booths and holding different events to build awareness at SDSU. Peer Educator program coordinator Diana Bull said members of the program will be on Campanile Walkway passing out informative packets and asking students to sign a pledge, promising to help, support and educate others with regard to suicide prevention.
“None of us hesitate to go to the doctor when we’re sick, but we have this stigma attached to mental health that we think that it means something in a negative way that is stigmatizing for life,” San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts said. “We need to understand that there are professionals that can help and can help you get through situations.”
One of the most important ways to prevent suicide is to know the warning signs. According to a press release from San Diego County, when a person asks for help, others should take it seriously, listen, give and find the right form of help, avoid leaving the person alone and refer them to a professional.
[quote]A lot of time there is stigma on mental health and especially when people are thinking about suicide.[/quote]
Counseling & Psychological Services director Sandy Jorgensen-Funk said a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle is through learning how to manage anxiety and stress. She said C&PS offers a variety of amenities to students so they can better cope with life’s daily stresses. Some of these resources include professionals to speak to, assessment tools and phone consultations.
“Suicide is doubly tragic because of the lives lost and the emotional heartbreak to family members and other loved ones,” Roberts said. “To some, suicide may seem to be the only solution to their problems. It is not. Help is available for anyone considering ending their lives.
Roberts said there is 24/7 help with a visit to the It’s Up To Us website or by calling 888-724-7240.
Help is also available on campus for students, faculty, staff and parents by calling a professional representative from C&PS at 619-594-5220.
