As Suicide Awareness Week came to a close, students from all over campus gathered in front of the UC Friday afternoon in order to talk about an overwhelmingly prevalent issue in the United States today: suicide prevention.
“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business; it’s not a secret to keep,” said John’Na Webster, UTM’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
The event captured the attention of all in attendance as Webster continued with painfully simple advice to help prevent suicide.
“One way to give hope is just a friendly smile and a ‘hello,’” Webster said.
“Hope” was a consistent word used during the event that showed just how important positivity and encouragement can be for a person struggling with suicidal thoughts.
“Let’s do something nice for somebody every day; let’s make it a goal to smile at someone and bring that hope,” said Clinical Coordinator at Student Health and Counseling Services, Jenifer Hart.
Alderman David Sudberry was also present at the event.
“Depression is like a pebble in your shoe that won’t come out. Anytime that you have signs of depression that last more than a week or two, you need to talk to somebody,” Sudberry said.
Sudberry spoke out about service members and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among them.
“There’s a lot of suicide among veterans. You need to thank a veteran every day; thank a police officer every day. Be positive and uplifting because someday you’ll need that,” Sudberry said.
Patrick Chadwick, father of a victim to suicide, shared his story in public for the first time. Chadwick challenged the audience to listen to one another.
“Have it in your heart to listen- just listen to somebody. You never know what they’re going through until they go through with it; and then it is too late,” Chadwick said.
He spoke about the loss of this 21-year-old daughter, who was a student at The University of Tennessee.
“I didn’t think it was possible; I didn’t think she’d go through with it,” Chadwick said.
“There’s help out here; there’s somebody you can talk to. It’s not a game; it’s real and it hurts. Let’s all find a way to come together and help each other, and then help someone else- lets love. Walk up to someone and tell them you love them. It doesn’t hurt but it sure helps,” Chadwick said.
Over 1,100 students committed suicide in America over the past year.
“What we’re hoping is that this campaign has brought the awareness of the prevalence of suicide. We don’t want one of our UTM students to become of those black flags,” Webster said.
