With countless individuals afflicted by the silent struggle of mental illness, it is important to recognize how it affects those around us. As many are aware, September is Suicide Prevention Month, and while it is important to foster positive mental health year-round, this month serves as an opportunity to break down the barriers constructed by stigma and promote open, supportive conversations. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 22.8% of adults in the United States reported struggles with poor mental health in 2021—roughly equating to one in every five Americans, or a staggering 57.8 million individuals aged 18 or older. If left untreated and unsupported, these illnesses can fester, with the potential to culminate in suicidal thoughts or actions. 

Suicide, as defined by The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), is “death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior.” The same source states that as of 2021, suicide was the eleventh-highest cause of death in the United States, claiming over 48,100 lives. It was the second-highest cause for ages 10-14 and 25-31, and the third for ages 15-24—the latter demographic encompassing many individuals actively pursuing a secondary education.  

A common issue amongst students attending college is loneliness. It can have a profound negative impact on mental health and academic achievement and is yet another potential stressor that can inspire self-destructive thoughts or behaviors. As college is one of many substantial transitions that can occur in a person’s life, complete with new role assignments, routines and expectations (and at a relatively young age), the new environment may induce these feelings of loneliness despite the many new faces that greet them on campus. In addition to adapting to the newness of college, social relations may become difficult to navigate when it comes to juggling the formation of new bonds alongside keeping old ones. 

It is a painful reality to accept, but as painful as it may be to discuss, it is an even greater injustice to ignore the subject altogether for the sake of avoiding discomfort. Sometimes doing the hard work of healing, whether for oneself or when helping someone else, can look a bit messy, but understanding where the roots of loneliness and suicidal ideations come from is crucial to taking steps to seek treatment. It has become a widespread assumption that talking openly about suicide encourages it, however, the National Institute of Health claims otherwise. According to their reviews of published literature that examined this presumption, “none found a statistically significant increase in suicidal ideation among participants asked about suicidal thoughts.” In addition, their findings suggested that “acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce, rather than increase suicidal ideation”. 

When it comes to managing mental health in company with college classes, there are a number of steps that can be taken to alleviate stressors: 

1. Do your work on-time—don’t procrastinate! You will place less strain on your mind if you spread out your workload and give plenty of time to complete assignments before deadlines.  
2. Establish a routine for getting your tasks done and keep an eye on the time. You might find that it is easier to finish them earlier in the day when your brain is still reaping the benefits of having adequate rest. 
3. Remember to take breaks. It isn’t wrong to take time to yourself; be sure to listen to your body when it needs something! 
4. Abstain from using drugs or alcohol. Steering clear of these substances will greatly benefit your physical and mental health in the long run.  
5. Lean into your inner circle. Those you keep close to you are there to support you if you find yourself needing someone to talk to. Remember to extend a helping hand to them, too! 
6. Tend to your hobbies and interests. They are great constructive ways to tap into your brain and release those happy chemicals. 
7. Look for ways to get involved on campus. Join a club, apply for job positions, and attend events that interest you. This is a great way to get more acquainted with your school and get to know some people that you might not meet otherwise. 
8. Take care of your physical health. Stay active, maintain a healthy diet, and be sure to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night. 
9. Take advantage of support systems. Stevenson has plenty of resources available to you if you ever need help, and you can find helpline information in every bathroom stall, including the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, reachable 27/4 by calling 988. Don’t hesitate to reach out! 
10. Remember that suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems. There is no shame whatsoever to ask for help or call attention to what is bothering you. Your struggles are valid, but they do not define you.  

It is not a sign of weakness to recognize issues that are contributing to any struggles, and it is especially not a sign of weakness to reach out for help. Each person has their own plethora of flavorful experiences that make their life unique, and it is unfair to assign a “one size fits all” approach to the complexities of human existence.  

You are loved, appreciated, and important more than you may recognize. You offer things to the world that no one else can, and the world is better because of it.  There is pride to be taken in how far you have come, and the storms you have weathered, no matter how big or small, are a testament to the true strength you possess. Do not rob yourself of joy by comparing yourself to others. YOU MATTER. YOU ARE ENOUGH. KEEP GOING.