September is National Suicide Prevention Month, but more specifically, September 10th-16th is the Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide, even mental illness in general, is often a topic we avoid, but is so important to talk about. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teens and young adults, and there are more than 1,000 suicides on college campuses per year. Whether you are aware or unaware, mental health is a big topic on USC, and around the nation.
Gamecock Reach is a new organization on campus, who’s primary mission is to provide peer support for those in need. Students can come to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (west wing of Russell House) on Wednesdays anytime from 4-8pm and talk about anything – stress, friends, family, classes, etc. Peer listeners are here to here what students have to say and help talk things through, and point young adults to the right USC resources! Mary, a peer listener, says that this program is “a great stepping stone to get trained for handling low level situations and meeting fellow students who are interested in giving back in the same way.”
Aside from Gamecock Reach, USC also offers FREE counseling on the 5th floor of Close-Hipp and psychiatric services in the Thompson building on Devine St. Follow Gamecock Reach and the Student Health Center on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated on the latest news!
*You can talk to a counselor here at 803-777-5223
Facebook: Gamecock Reach, University of South Carolina Student Health Services
Twitter: @Gamecockreach, @UofSCshs