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August 23, 2023
Back to School
Copyright: 2018 Roger Winstead
School is back in session! It is nice to see young, excited faces on campus. College life can be fun, but we know it is difficult to adjust and adapt to new environment. We want students to experience and learn as much as possible on campus and to be successful in higher education.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, we lost 14 students, including seven of whom died by suicide. My heart sinks and aches every time when I hear these hard stories, and I wish I could have done more to save lives. Growing up in a high suicide rate country, I lost several close friends. It was hard for me and is still hard for me to think of them. To keep their memories alive, it is important for me to keep advocating for mental health and suicide prevention.
There are a few resources available for NCSU students, faculty, and staff.
Faculty & Staff Assistance Program: Call your NCSU FASAP Program anytime for confidential assistance.
Counseling Center offers a variety of counseling services to help.
Suicide Prevention Training: Learn how to identify and help students who are most in need of mental health services. As part of the University's suicide prevention initiative, Prevention Service holds frequent Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) trainings throughout the term.
NC Department of Health and Human Services provides Adult Mental Health Services.
Be kind to each other and yourself. Research shows that participating in acts of kindness helps individuals with depression or anxiety to divert their attenting from themselves and take their minds off their own symptoms. And Everyday simple acts of kindness can contribute to boosting your mood, reducing stress, and possibly alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety. (source)
Have a conversation with your friends and family. It is okay to take a break and prioritize your mental health. You are not a burden for seeking help for your mental health. Please ask someone who looks tired or stressed out if everything is okay. Just listen. Listening is a powerful tool.
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