September marks Suicide Awareness Month, and campus counselors are here to help students struggling with mental health concerns.
Kathy Evans is a mental health counselor at Vincennes University’s Counseling Center. She is passionate about raising awareness for students suffering from depression or other mental health issues.
According to Evans, “49,000 people die from suicide annually.”
“When people are younger, they struggle,” she said. “The things going on in their life, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, all can lead to suicidal ideation.
“People struggle with suicidal ideation related to their life circumstances.”
Evans said suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone and the causes can vary depending on a student’s circumstances. Contributing factors can be age, financial situation, grief, substance abuse, and mental illness.
While offering help to a friend in need can feel overwhelming, Evans said simply asking how they’re doing can be beneficial.
“If you are concerned about somebody, having that ability or that bravery to ask that question, I think it’s really important.” she posits. “Just spend a lot of time listening, letting them know that you’re there for them.”
To commemorate Suicide Awareness Month, the Knox County Suicide Prevention Walk was a community event held in partnership with the counseling center, Family Health Center, Irreverent Warriors, and Mental Health America of Knox County.
It was held on Sept. 6 at the VU outdoor track.
Evans said, “We are there to support friends and family members of people that have lost a family member to suicide. So that’s one purpose. And the other is to support those who struggle.”
More than 100 people attended the walk, and many community members who had lost loved ones to suicide or have personally struggled told organizers they appreciated the opportunity to come together.
“This gave them some hope and some support through that difficult time,” Evans said.
Evans encourages anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek either professional help or to come to the counseling center. Resources are always available for those who need it.
Those in need of help can also call or text 988, a national hotline.
