by Sebastian Gordon

September is Suicide Prevention Month. All month, many events will be taking place to raise awareness for suicide prevention. 

The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999. Promoting healing, helping others, and giving hope are essential to preventing suicide. 

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. This day was made to remember those affected by suicide and give direct treatment to those seeking aid.

#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message. Findings suggest that acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

#BeThe1To has five important steps: asking, being there, helping keep them safe, helping them to stay connected, and following up. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be called 24/7 at the number 1-800-273-8255. 

Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Everyone deserves to feel relief and comfort in knowing that others are there to support them. 

 In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, PSC had many events set up. Active Minds, Pirates Care, and the Wellness Department worked hard to create informative and useful presentations. 

Virtual free and confidential mental health screenings were available all month long at http://www.ulifeline.org/pensacola. Students were able to screen for signs of depression, anxiety, EDs, and substance abuse. There were also information tables and mental health screenings set up on various campuses. 

On September 24th, the Mental Health Department held a Gatekeeper Training to help attendees learn the warning signs of suicide and how to help someone who is at risk. The training lasted three hours and went from 9 AM-Noon. 

Students have access to free on-campus counseling. To sign up, individuals can call 850-484-1758 or email bclark@pensacolastate.edu. 

There is also a 24/7 confidential BayCare Student Assistance Program which can be reached by calling 800-878-5470. The Pirates CARE Team can be contacted through the email PiratesCare@pensacolastate.edu. 

Suicide prevention does not end when September does. PSC is constantly prioritizing students’ mental health, and students should take advantage of all the available resources. 

September is Suicide Prevention Month. All month, many events will be taking place to raise awareness for suicide prevention. 

The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999. Promoting healing, helping others, and giving hope are essential to preventing suicide. 

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. This day was made to remember those affected by suicide and give direct treatment to those seeking aid.

#BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message. Findings suggest that acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

#BeThe1To has five important steps: asking, being there, helping keep them safe, helping them to stay connected, and following up. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be called 24/7 at the number 1-800-273-8255. 

Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Everyone deserves to feel relief and comfort in knowing that others are there to support them. 

 In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, PSC had many events set up. Active Minds, Pirates Care, and the Wellness Department worked hard to create informative and useful presentations. 

Virtual free and confidential mental health screenings were available all month long at http://www.ulifeline.org/pensacola. Students were able to screen for signs of depression, anxiety, EDs, and substance abuse. There were also information tables and mental health screenings set up on various campuses. 

On September 24th, the Mental Health Department held a Gatekeeper Training to help attendees learn the warning signs of suicide and how to help someone who is at risk. The training lasted three hours and went from 9 AM-Noon. 

Students have access to free on-campus counseling. To sign up, individuals can call 850-484-1758 or email bclark@pensacolastate.edu. 

There is also a 24/7 confidential BayCare Student Assistance Program which can be reached by calling 800-878-5470. The Pirates CARE Team can be contacted through the email PiratesCare@pensacolastate.edu. 

Suicide prevention does not end when September does. PSC is constantly prioritizing students’ mental health, and students should take advantage of all the available resources.