Suicide Prevention Week serves as a vital reminder for communities to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide awareness. From September 28 to October 3, Miami University will host a series of events designed to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being among students. Each event offers unique opportunities for compassionate engagement, practical learning, and community support, making this week a crucial time for both awareness and action.
Key Events During Suicide Prevention Week
Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk
Date: September 28, Time: 1 p.m. Location: Uptown Park
The week kicks off with the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk, an event aimed at raising funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Participants can stop by the mental health resource tables at Uptown to learn about forming walk teams and participating in this 2-kilometer event. Walking for awareness not only promotes personal health but also fosters a sense of community, demonstrating the unity against the struggle of mental health challenges.
Messages of Hope
Dates: September 30 to October 2, Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: Clinical Health Sciences Building, Room 2002
Encouraging positivity is a fundamental aspect of mental well-being. During this period, attendees can drop in at the wellness studio to write encouraging notes for friends or future students who may need inspiration. The act of spreading positivity can create a ripple effect, showing that small gestures can make a significant impact on those experiencing emotional turmoil.
Dog Therapy
Dates: September 29, Time: 2-3 p.m. and September 30, Time: 1-2 p.m. Location: Clinical Health Sciences Building, Room 2002
What better way to de-stress than by interacting with therapy dogs? This event offers students an opportunity to take a break from their academic pressures and indulge in the therapeutic benefits of spending time with pets. Animal therapy has been shown to lower anxiety and enhance mood, making this a welcomed addition during the week.
Rock Painting
Date: September 30, Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Armstrong Atrium
Engage your creativity and promote kindness through a rock painting activity hosted by the Office of Student Wellness. As participants decorate rocks with positive messages, they can leave these behind to inspire others. This hands-on craft emphasizes mindfulness and serves as a reminder to cultivate compassion within the community.
Mental Health Resource Fair
Date: October 1, Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Academic Quad
Connect with various organizations that promote mental health through interactive booths equipped with resources. Attendees can gain valuable knowledge on mental health awareness, participate in fun activities, and enter raffles for prizes. The rain location for this event will be the Shriver Center Heritage Room, ensuring that participation remains accessible regardless of weather conditions.
Mental Health Workshop
Date: October 1, Time: 4-5 p.m. Location: Clinical Health Sciences Building, Room 2002
This workshop invites students to unwind while learning invaluable mindfulness practices that equip them to manage stress more effectively. This includes festive activities like pumpkin painting, which focuses on the importance of bringing joy into mental health discussions.
Suicide Prevention Training for Students
Date: October 1, Time: 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Clinical Health Sciences Building, Room 2002
Understanding how to support someone in crisis can save lives. This critical training session teaches the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) method, empowering students to take action when they encounter peers in distress. Knowledge equipped with action can help in identifying the signs of someone struggling and guiding them toward support.
DIY De-stress with the Miller Center
Date: October 2, Time: 2-4 p.m. Location: Shriver Center, Room 304
Crafting provides an excellent outlet for stress relief. In this event, students can create various crafts with peers and community members. The Miller Center ensures all materials are provided, making it an accessible way to unwind collaboratively.
What Grounds You?
Date: October 2, Time: 6-7:30 p.m. Location: Harrison Hall, Room 210
A mental health mixer serves as a nurturing space for students to connect, enjoy free food, and engage in fall-themed activities. Building connections fosters support networks that can prove crucial for students dealing with the challenges of college life.
Drop-in Horse Therapy
Date: October 3, Time: 4-5 p.m. Location: Equestrian Center
Concluding Suicide Prevention Week is an invitation to engage with horses, an experience that provides unique therapeutic benefits. Student counseling services will be on hand to share self-care tips and distribute free resources, reinforcing the message of taking care of one’s mental health.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
The series of events organized for Suicide Prevention Week at Miami University exemplifies the institution’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for mental well-being. By providing varied activities that span education, engagement, and personal reflection, this initiative not only contributes to awareness but cultivates resilience and community spirit.
As stressors remain prevalent throughout the academic year, these events serve as seminal opportunities for students to prioritize mental health, learn coping strategies, and embrace support systems on campus. In a world where discussions surrounding mental health have gained traction, actively participating in these events can arm individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to help themselves and those around them.
Conclusion
Participating in Suicide Prevention Week can be a transformative experience, creating a sense of solidarity and fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. Whether through direct engagement or simple acts of kindness, everyone can contribute to a culture of caring and support, ensuring that we all play a role in preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being. Through advocacy, awareness, and tangible actions, we can create a more understanding community and empower those affected by mental health challenges to seek help.
