Suicide prevention support: September campus events

As a new school year begins, Texas A&M University Health Services is focusing on student well-being with a series of events for Suicide Awareness Month. 

Throughout September, students, faculty and staff can help put focus on a crucial topic: suicide awareness and prevention. Annually, an estimated 1,100 college students die by suicide, and nearly 24,000 attempt, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). An overwhelming majority of those who die by suicide have an underlying and potentially treatable mental health condition. 

University Health Services aims to spread knowledge and make more people available to talk with those at risk to help prevent suicides. They say talking about suicide won’t “put the idea in someone’s head.” In fact, the AFSP has found that talking more openly about suicide helps reduce the stigma around mental health conversations.

If you’re unsure where to start, University Health Services’ events during September can help lay the groundwork. Students will have access to organizations across campus and in the local Bryan-College Station and McAllen communities to learn easy-to-follow steps to raise awareness, reduce stigma and foster support.

Students can start the month by joining the Virtual Walk Challenge, an initiative organized by University Health Services, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Living Well at Texas that aims to build community while raising awareness for suicide prevention. From Sept. 3-31, build your team and compete while raising awareness for suicide prevention.

See a full list of events and activities online at tx.ag/UHSsam. Below are some featured events to add to your calendar.

Wellness

• De-Stress with Farm Friends: Sept. 4; 10 a.m.-1 p.m; Simpson Drill Field
• “1100 Pinwheels” Display: Sept. 12-19; all day; Academic Plaza
• Breathe In, Stretch Out Yoga: Sept. 25; 5:30-6:30 p.m.; J. Wayne Stark Galleries

Community

• Resource Fair: Sept. 10; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Rudder Plaza
• Turning Impossible to “I’m Possible” with Joshua Rivedal: Sept. 24; 6-7:30 p.m.; Rudder Theatre

Presentations

• Talk Saves Lives Presentation – Virtual (Registration required): Sept. 17; 11 a.m.-noon & Sept. 23; 4-5 p.m.
• “Creating Safer Communities” Presentation (Registration required): Sept. 18; 4-5:30 p.m.; Memorial Student Center Rm. 1400

Creative

• Planting Self-Care: Sept. 11; 2-3 p.m, Student Services Building (SSB) Rm. 108
• Meditation & Doodling (Registration required): Sept. 17 & 24; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; SSB Rm. 208

You can help strengthen suicide prevention efforts to create a safe and welcoming space for all Aggies.

If you are or someone you know needs help, University Health Services provides non-emergency, same day assistance for immediate emotional support needs. For support and resources outside of business hours, students can access the TELUS Health Student Support app 24/7 for immediate mental health assistance and resources. Call 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.