All across campus this past week, the U too Matter campaign held events to help raise awareness for suicide among college students as a part of Suicide Awareness Month.
The campaign’s goal was to help students to not become a part of the 1,100 students who commit suicide on American campuses every year.
The event that took place Wednesday was held in the main lobby of the University Center with a focus on U too Can . . . Maintain Mental Health. This event asked students who were walking through the University Center what they did to cope with the stress associated with college life.
Students then wrote their responses on signs that were attacked to blue bags which will be displayed around the Quad on Friday.
The purpose of the signs is to display the many ways that other students cope with the overwhelming stress of deadlines, expectations and relationships in college.
“The stress of personal life and college life is too much to handle at times, and some days there isn’t much hope of catching up. Fortunately with friends and other students to help each other through the tough times we can try to keep the university a suicide free campus this year,” said one UTM student.
If you feel that you need help, then don’t think that you are out of choices because UT Martin offers counseling at the Student Health Center where you can talk to qualified personnel or find students who know exactly what you are going through.
You can contact Student Health at 731-881-7750, and as always if it is an emergency you can call public safety at 731-881-7777.
If you are a student who wants to volunteer to help other students, then contact Johnna Webster at jcosby4@utm.edu and let her know that you are interested in helping others.
