As the month of September kicks off and the autumn leaves start to change, it is important to remember that this month also highlights mental health and wellness.
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness month. There are many different ways Missouri State is bringing awareness to this topic and offering various readily-available services for any student who is seeking mental health services.
This month is a great way for students to learn about different ways to practice self-care and where to find other mental health outlets.
“Prioritizing your mental health doesn’t have to be some big, complicated thing,” says Max Miller, director of health & interpersonal wellness for the Student Government Association. “It can start with something simple like texting a friend, stepping away from social media or visiting campus resources like the Counseling Center.”
Many student organizations are also using this month to bring awareness to campus. Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Panhellenic Association on campus are hosting “Give Yourself a Reason” for the rest of this week in honor of suicide prevention month.
FSL and PHA will be hosting events the rest of this week including drawing chalk messages around campus on Wednesday, Sept. 10, custom button making and counseling resources in the PSU atrium on Sept. 11 as well as morning yoga class in the campus garden on Sept. 12.
In addition to student organization events, Magers Health and Wellness Center will be hosting events this week as well. This Wednesday, Sept. 10, there will be an information table in the PSU that students can stop at to learn more about suicide prevention resources and campus support.
There will also be “Engage Training” on Thursday, Sept. 11 at Magers Health and Wellness. The training will include ways for students to gain tools to support themselves and others in case of a mental health crisis.
Although there are many highlighted events happening around campus in light of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, there are also many resources that are available year-round. Magers Health and Wellness Center’s very own Counseling Center offers many services, including counseling with a personalized care plan and crisis services for mental health emergencies.
The personal care plan highlights a strategic plan put together by a clinician to ensure that patients receive the correct care that meets their needs. The Counseling Center can also refer students to other locations around Springfield for further care.
Magers’ crisis services offers appointments specified to aid students who are in an emergency situation. They also offer after-hours crisis services with a crisis counselor who can specially assist students.
“If it’s one thing I want other students to hear, it’s this: you are not alone, and you don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable to ask for help,” says Miller. “There are people on this campus who genuinely care and want to support you.”
If you or anyone you know is experiencing a crisis, call or text 988 to talk to a counselor at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Follow Elise Dust on Instagram, @elise.dust93
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