September is National Suicide Month, dedicated to people who’ve lost their lives to suicide, people who struggle, and to raise awareness on the subject of suicide prevention. 

The Office of Student Wellness and Health Promoton and the Counseling Center partnered together to create a Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Week filled with programming, campaigns, events, and workshops throughout the week. 

I spoke with GS Associate Director of Student Wellness and Health Promotion Megan Mercer, for an inside look into what to expect from the week. 

The importance of this week is to create a culture where mental health conversations are normalized and students know of all the resources available to them at GS, according to Mercer. 

Students are encouraged to attend any events this week to educate themselves and others on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“This is one of the most important things I think is mental health and preventing suicide,” Mercer said. 

Mercer recommended students can support others mental health by checking in on each other.  “That’s why we’re promoting ways to start that conversation because we understand that it can be a little awkward because you know, it’s stigmatized still,” Mercer said. 

Check out any of these events this week for resources, fun activities, and education: 

SEP 19:

FRESH CHECK DAY

Williams Center, 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

• Signature event of Mental Health Awareness Week
• Uplifting event used to check in with college students about their mental health
• Connect with resources in the community and on campus 
• Educate yourself on how to check in with peers who may be struggling with mental health
• Program from Jordan Porco Foundation

WELLNESS THROUGH WRITING

Pedestrium Gazebo, 4:30pm-6:30pm

• Educate yourself on journaling as a means of self care to improve mental health
• In partnership w/ academic success center 

SEP 20:

CONVOS & COURAGE

Russell Union Commons, 9:00a.m.-11:00a.m.

• Counseling Center will be providing messages for hope for anyone struggling with mental health and mental health screenings
• You’re encouraged to come by and leave an uplifting message
• Learn conversation tips to help starting “awkward” conversations about mental health

A BREAK AT THE LAKE – PADDLEBOARDING AND MEDITATION

Lake Ruby, 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

• Learn about self-care and mental health programs that focus on connecting with nature
• Meditation every half hour
• A mental health outdoor initiative 
• In partnership with Southern Adventures

SEP 21:

QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER

Counseling Center, Wellness Room, 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

• A training on three simple steps anyone can learn to save a life from suicide 
• Provided by Counseling Center 

SEP 22:

MINDFUL YOGA

Counseling Center, Wellness Room, 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

• Learn yoga to cope with your mental health along with guided meditations 
• Provided by Counseling Center every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning
• A mental health outdoor initiative 

Suicide Prevention Resources: 

Source: https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources/ 

• Call or text 988
• GS Counseling Center – 912-478-5541 
• Crisis Text Line – text TALK to 741-741 
• SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse) – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline – 1-866-331-9474
• The Trevor Project – 1-866-488-7386
• Also visit your 
  • Primary care provider
  • Local psychiatric hospital
  • Local walk-in clinic
  • Local emergency department
  • Local urgent care center