Submitted by Counseling Services
Did you know suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States?
Did you know, in 2017, more men died by suicide than women?
Did you know, on average, there are 129 suicides a day?
Most people do not. That is what National Suicide Prevention Week (Sunday, September 8 – Saturday, September 14, 2019) is for – to bring awareness to the community about ongoing mental health concerns. This week promotes statistics and resources while addressing common stigmas that are often heard. For more statistics on suicide prevention, check out American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/. Counseling Services wants to promote some organizations this week and help challenge students, faculty, and staff to learn a little more about resources and surroundings on campus.
With the fall semester in full swing, be sure to look out for the most common signs of depression: self – harm (which can be cutting, burning, or bruising), sudden drop in grades, isolating themselves from others, tearfulness, feeling hopeless, intrusive thoughts, sleeping a lot or not sleeping at all, eating a lot or not eating at all, thoughts and jokes of suicide, aggression and agitation (can be verbal or physical), lack of motivation and sudden disinterest in hobbies that once brought contentment, and overwhelming sadness. If someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please encourage them to contact Counseling Services between 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at 864-503-5195 to schedule an appointment.
Counseling Services is here to assist all current students. We are located in CLC 224 and have several licensed therapists on staff. Services include individual and couples counseling, access to a tele-psychiatrist, testing services (additional information provided during appointment), distance counseling, group therapy, consultations, educational workshops, and crisis visits. Most services are free to all enrolled students.
Outside resources can be helpful too:
National Alliance for Mental Illness educates and promotes mental health awareness. Their website can be found here: https://www.nami.org
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is a resource for those that want to talk to someone outside of their support system. Or a crisis line can be texted at 741741. For additional information you can find their website here: https://www.crisistextline.org/texting-in Drop Kick Depression is founded by Professional Wrestler Terra Calaway. This group uses wrestling as an avenue of raising support and awareness for mental health. More information can be found at their website: https://www.dropkickdepression.com
Heart Support is founded by Jake Lurhs, front man for metal band, August Burns Red. The group was created as a support system and resource outlet. Their website can be found here: https://heartsupport.com
Born This Way is an organization founded by Lady Gaga and her mother in an effort to promote kindness, conversations, and resources for mental health. Click the link for more information: https://bornthisway.foundation
The Trevor Project is an organization that was founded by the creators of the movie TREVOR that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. More information regarding The Trevor Project can be found here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Counseling Services is hosting a Depression Screening Day in the CLC on Thursday, October 10th.