September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This is a time dedicated to spreading awareness for mental health issues and remembering the lives lost to silent battles.
According to the University of Michigan, suicide is the second leading cause of death in college students.
To raise awareness, Sacred Heart University’s Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi), Men’s Rugby team, and Student Nursing Association are hosting their annual Suicide Prevention Week.
Suicide Prevention Week promotional post.
Source: Instagram, @sacredheart_sna
“This week, all of September, and always means being the smile that someone needs to continue their day,” said ADPi Vice President of Member Development Abby Volpe. “To hold this event on a college campus, I am incredibly sensitive to the fact that anyone of my peers or classmates could very well be struggling right before me.”
Volpe explained that the goal of this week is to remind students of the resources available to them and the community at Sacred Heart that is there to support them. She emphasized that no one should feel like they are alone.
“If any individuals are walking alone during the walk, it is my goal to make it a point to pass by them and just smile, or say hello,” said Volpe. “This simple gesture can be the reason why someone decides to continue on. I walk so that no one else has to walk alone.”
This event is in honor of students Jelyn Lee, Peter DeSalvo, and Ryan Lahiff, who tragically lost their lives to suicide.
Volpe said that this year will be different. Rather than mourning what the SHU community has lost, this will be a “celebration of life” honoring all the good the students did before their passing.
The celebration began with a remembrance mass at the Chapel on Sept. 8 and continued with a Suicide Prevention Walk at Upper Quad on Sept. 10.
“For the Student Nursing Association, this walk is a way to pay tribute to someone who has had an impact on the community while also promoting a cause that is closely related to the values of nursing,” said Student Nursing Association President Amanda Beberman. “It’s an opportunity to remember and honor Ryan’s legacy while actively contributing to a cause that seeks to promote mental health awareness in the future.”
Along with the walk, the SHU Men’s Rugby team also hosts the annual Peter DeSalvo Memorial Rugby Sevens Tournament in honor of their teammate.
“This is by far the most important thing that the rugby team does,” said President Jeremy Suhr. “These events will touch people’s hearts forever.”
“If you see somebody at the walk that is on their own, I encourage you to join them and start a conversation,” said Suhr.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact the SHU Counseling Center at 203-371-7599. A counselor is on call 24/7, even after office hours and on weekends and holidays.
For emergencies, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.
“Every person on campus needs to know that they are not alone,” said Suhr. “The help is always there. All you have to do is ask for it.”
