The month of September is Suicide Awareness Month, a month to be more cognizant of the signs and symptoms that could lead to self-harm and even a month to honor the memories of those lost to suicide.
Here at WVU Potomac State College, workshops and conversations are taking place in classrooms, lecture halls, study groups, in the Student Union, in the gathering room of Reynolds Hall, on the Quad, and even in private and group therapy sessions, resonating as a constant reminder that help is available here on campus and through other resources for those struggling with these kinds of thoughts.
Counseling is also available here at the College for those whose lives have been impacted by suicide. Grieving a loved one – a family member or close friend – who took his or her own life can be a difficult journey to maneuver.
PSC Behavioral Health Therapist Michelle House said she has seen a wave of students this semester, some of whom are feeling mentally overwhelmed, and while most of them may not have signs of self-harm, for those who do, the College has resources ready.
“September is Suicide Prevention Month. This year’s theme is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide.’ As we continue to learn more about suicide and its impact on individuals, families, and communities, we honor those still with us, while remembering those we have lost,” said House.
House said there are examples of how to “change the narrative” about suicide and how to have tough but sensitive conversations about the subject.
Check in with loved ones: Taking time to reach out to someone in your community, a family member, friend, colleague, or even a stranger – could change the course of another’s life. Look out for those who you think might be struggling and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they are suicidal; the offer of support, showing empathy and validating their feelings, is more likely to reduce distress rather than exacerbate it. Encourage them to seek help and further support.
Keep informed: Consider accessing training opportunities in suicide prevention and awareness to identify and support those with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Share your story: Individuals who have survived a suicide attempt or experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide often have valuable insights and can help us understand how the words and actions of others can be important. Sharing your story in a safe and supported way can be powerful to both you and to those around you.
Advocate for mental health awareness: Promote mental health awareness within your community; use social media, local events, or even casual conversations to help spread the message.
Remember, you are not alone: Reaching out for support can be the start of a new journey forward. Whether you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or supporting a loved one, there is help available. Take time today to explore help options, learn about contributing risks to suicide, download resources, and more.
The subject has even reached the National Institute of Health which just this year, issued five action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide.
1) Ask: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.
2) Be there: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.
3) Help keep them safe: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.
4) Help them connect: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
5) Follow up: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play a significant role in the prevention of suicide.
Last year, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline reported it received more than 4.3 million calls, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Read that again. The second leading cause of death,” said House. “To put this in perspective, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., followed by cancer. These diseases receive vast public support in terms of funding for prevention and treatment, and yet, there is a disconnect when it comes to suicide. We treat it as something we must hide away and not talk about. So many people don’t understand the enormous impact it has on families and communities. So many don’t realize we all have the power to change the narrative.”
House said raising awareness helps remove the stigma often attached to the subject.
“Making suicide prevention a priority reduces stigma, helps all of us understand it better, helps get the funding necessary to address it and most importantly, helps us save lives,” she said. “Our young people deserve to be here. Talk about it. Say the word. Check in with friends. Check in with those who seem isolated. We’re in this together. We must do better.”
Moreover, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, recent data show an estimated 13.9 million to 14.3 million U.S. adults reported serious thoughts of suicide, and over 2.2 million adults made a suicide attempt in 2025. A different survey by the center found that roughly 9% of all college-aged adults had attempted suicide at least once in a 12-month period, with higher rates reported among female students and LGBTQ+ youth. Males die by suicide at rates nearly four times higher than females, though females may have more thoughts of it, showing higher rates of attempts and non-fatal self-harm injuries.
“While suicide prevention is a year-round effort, let us use this month to raise awareness, learn about ways to take care of ourselves, connect with others, and spread hope. Let us always choose kindness,” said House. “Love yourself enough to heal. Love yourself to stay here with us a little longer. Your life is truly just beginning.”
Key calendar events still happening this month include:
September 21
Art Therapy with Bri: Nature Art Therapy Installation, Quad, 3-4:15, 4:30-5:45, 6-7:15 pm.
September 22
Tranquili-Tea, Reynolds Hall Lounge, 4 p.m. Learn about Ecotherapy, using nature as a form of self-care. Learn ways to incorporate nature into your mental health routine. Have some herbal teas and snacks. Step outside to interact with nature.
September 22
SHIFT: Do what moves you, 8 pm in UP Theater. These screenings came out of a father, Jason Reid, telling his son’s story after he lost him to suicide. He started the organization Tell My Story and from there have created short documentaries to help move the conversation about suicide and to highlight the importance of talking about it.
September 23
Well Wednesdays DIY Stress balls and bath scrubs, Reynolds Hall, 7 pm. Learn about stress and relaxation and make your own stress ball, bath scrub, or galaxy jar.
September 28
Art Therapy: Shape Your Stress, Reynolds Hall, 3-4:15, 4:30-5:45, 6-7:15 pm. Shaping stress through clay art turns heavy feelings into a physical object that you can touch, change, or let go. Learn mindful ways to calm and settle the nervous system.
September 29
Simplici-Tea, Reynolds Hall, 12 pm- 2 pm. Try some herbal teas and snacks, add a name to ribbons for tree ceremony on September 30.
College Unscripted: Find your place, Make your mark, 8 pm in UP Theater. Another screening from the organization Tell My Story, to help move the conversation about suicide and to highlight the importance of talking about it.
September 30
Following the loss of a student several years ago to suicide, Potomac State College planted a tree in that student’s memory. The tree is on the lawn between University Place and Lough Gym. On September 30, students and faculty will gather at the tree to remember that student, to honor other lives lost to suicide, and to hold a moment of silence recognizing all who struggle with mental health issues.
If you suspect someone you love is contemplating thoughts of self-harm or having suicidal thoughts, or if you are having these thoughts yourself, please know you are not alone and help is available here at WVU Potomac State College. Call 988 for the national helpline or call Michelle House in Mental Health and Counseling at (301) 697-2664 or email her at mahouse@mail.wvu.edu.