By Anna Corbett, Staff Writer
September is Suicide Awareness Month, which might not be commonly known. September also is a busy time for most students, including myself, because of the start of school and the influx of activities on campus.
Being busy is great but can also cause one's mental health to be forgotten.
I have found myself, more often than not, putting my mental health on the back burner to accommodate my busy schedule. Being very involved on campus has been an easy way for me to distract myself from my mental health struggles in the past. However, I have found that these distractions aren't always helpful and can cause more harm than good. Distractions are not a great way of coping with all the battles in our minds.
Mental health has become a huge topic of conversation in years past, especially on Newman’s campus. Many have heard of the mental health services offered on campus, including our mental health advocacy program, which provides in-person support for students.
I am one of these advocates because I understand how hard life can be without a bit of help. We are scattered all over campus and can provide a shoulder to cry on, be someone to vent to, and even provide resources.
As advocates, we are required to receive training in these services to ensure we provide the best help possible. If you or someone you know are struggling and don't know who to talk to, please reach out to a friend or any of our services on and off campus.
We can connect you with any of our advocates, and if you would like to join our advocacy program, please reach out to Ivy Annen, Mental Health Project Coordinator, in the Student Success Center. To get in contact with an advocate, reach out to Ivy and she will give you our email. Or DM us on Instagram (Nu_Mental_Health). We also are provided T-shirts to wear that represent Suspenders 4 Hope, which is our training program. The print of the shirt looks like suspenders and says “We Support U.”
PHOTO: Courtesy, Unsplash
