Self-Care AND Community-Care

Alright, let's be a little more truthful here, and admit that college isn't always "the best time of your life" as the universe would have you believe prior to getting here. From an abundance of school work, to transitional lifestyles, to the impermanence of every single semester, to the challenge of trying to understand your self, purpose, and what you want to do after college--these years can be the cause of much stress, anxiety, and even depression for many. In fact, often times the overwhelming reality of college life hits so hard that many students resort to the unfortunate path of suicide. While many other students have an incredibly transformative and positive experience, suicide still remains the second leading cause of death for college-aged students, and in turn, affects college communities on a very large scale. Do you know a friend or acquaintance who has taken their life during college? Sadly, I could name many.

So here we have a tremendous challenge: How do we recognize suicide as not just the final act of an individual struggle, but a tragedy felt by an entire community? And then, how do we work towards suicide prevention in a similar way?--through a community effort. I wish the people who came to mind were still here today to fulfil there potential and somehow find happiness. Unfortunately, this is not possible.

What is possible? A group effort of heightened compassion, patience, and resourcefulness. Whether you yourself are suffering emotionally and mentally, or you know someone who is--we must all work together to decrease the pain of suicide that eventually touches us all in one way or another.

I might wish friends who are gone were still here today, but I don't need to wish there was something I could do--because there are things I could do. There are multiple resources available through the university for those who are struggling in any way. Even if you are not feeling suicidal--your mental health is an important priority, and we still encourage you to take some time for self-care and personal growth. If you are a friend of someone who is struggling or feeling suicidal, please help to encourage them to seek further help through one of many resources:

*** Counseling Center, Shoemaker Building, 301.314.7651.
9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Monday-Thursday and 9:00 am-5:00 pm on Fridays.
Counselors are on call for emergencies during the weekend hours.

*** Mental Health Service, University Health Center, 301.314.8106.
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday and 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturdays.
A 24-hour Nurse line is available at 301.314.9386

*** HELP Center, South Campus Dining Hall
a 24-hour student-peer hotline is available at (301) 314-HELP.
Walk-in hours vary based on volunteer availability--call ahead.

*** University Chaplains, Memorial Chapel, 301.405.8448 or 301.405.8450

*** Resident Life staff. Contact your RA, the RA on duty, or your community office, 301.314.7343.

*** Suicide Awareness Health Education and Training Kick-Off Event
Wednesday, November 14 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Stamp Student Union--Prince George's Room
A panel of students and mental health experts will discuss depression and suicide and the efforts
being taken to prevent suicide and raise awareness within our campus community.
There will be a free raffle and refreshments.
Speakers include: Dr. Marta Hopkinson, Dr. Michael Torres, Dr. Akira Otani,Amy Tannenbaum and AJ Arrese.
www.health.umd.edu

Let us not forget the strength of a smile or kind words, or the comfort of another listening with full attention and care. Let us look to manifest these qualities in ourselves, and to offer them to others.

Let the word spread...

With Hope and Peace,
Rachael

Comments

[Patrick D.]

Rachael I just saw your post on my blog a while back, haha. I agree, we should definitely get together...I want to hear all about your trip, I'm so jealous.