To kick off the Wellness Initiative, the Waynesburg University Counseling Center, more specifically Nathan Altman and Chaley Knight, are taking charge of National Suicide Prevention Week with supportive events on campus. National Suicide Prevention Week is September 6-10 this year. Since the week starts with Labor Day, there will not be any events held on Monday, September 6, 2021. However the rest of the week is filled with events.

A statement prepared on the Counseling Center’s behalf  said “ it would be a great way to start off the year [ and to get the struggles of depression and the signs to suicide] out in the open,” Altman, B.S. Psychology, M.A. Counseling, said. “It’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed. We need to get the word out.”

 

September 7, 2021:

There will be a Suicide Prevention Table in Johnson Commons from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. 

 

There will be resources on “self care, how to talk to someone who might be struggling [with suicidal thoughts], and emergency resources on suicide prevention [such as hotline numbers], Altman said. “Our goal is to show that there are resources in place, and there are support systems available.”

 

September 8, 2021:

Depression screenings will be held in the Counseling Center. It is a free assessment that will determine what actions should be taken for people’s mental health and wellbeing. The Counseling Center is on the third floor of Stover. Anyone can stop by for their screening between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

 

Just pick up a packet, and within that packet there will be a depression screening. It should only take 5 minutes. Then, Altman and Knight will process the results, and set anyone up with a counselor if necessary. 

 

September 9, 2021:

The Peer Leaders with the help of a few Campus Ministry Assistants will be hosting a candlelight vigil, as well as, introducing a guest speaker, who is also an alumni that has struggled with suicidal thoughts, in Robert’s Chapel. The event will start at 7 p.m.

 

September 10, 2021:

There will be a set up in Johnson Commons with some Peer Leaders along with several student organizations, honor students, and the psychology club may even make an appearance. It will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Later, there will be a screening of Good Will Hunting to end the week at 8 p.m also hosted in Johnson Commons. 

 

Since the theme of the event is resilience, “We are hoping to end the week on a positive note with a screening of Good Will Hunting,” Altman said. “The movie is about overcoming a difficult time, and experiencing healthy connections.”

 

Suicide Prevention Week is only the start of September. The Wellness initiative will be in effect for the whole month of September.