RCC raises awareness of suicide prevention
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Robeson Community College joined forces with several community partners to help raise awareness on the subject during an event on Tuesday.
The event aimed to provide resources and information on suicide prevention from various entities, including the Counseling and Career Services Department at RCC, Community Care of North Carolina, the Robeson County Health Department, the Adolescent Parenting program, EastPointe, and Southeastern Community Action.
Students were given information on the facts about suicide and warning signs that often come before someone attempts to take their own life.
One sign read, “Suicide can be prevented. It’s up to everyone to learn the warning signs and reach out and help those with suicidal thoughts and feelings.”
Studies have shown that men are 4x more likely than women to die by suicide, and suicide rates are the highest among those ages 75+, but it’s an issue that can affect any age group or demographic, including college students.
“It’s important to have this conversation, to raise awareness, and show students and our community that help is available,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler. “If our efforts help to save one life, then this was all worth it. Suicide is never the answer.”
Some of the warning signs of suicide can include talking about wanting to die, great guilt or shame, being a burden to others, withdrawing from friends, extreme mood swings, giving away important items or making a will.
Students, faculty and staff showed their support for suicide prevention by wearing purple and teal, a sign symbolizing how precious each life truly is.
If you or someone you know displays some of the warning signs, there is help available. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available at no cost, simply call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Counselors are also available on campus and can be reached in Building 13 or by calling 910-272-3353.
