Suicide is an issue that is extremely personal on our campus. In the past several years alone, our campus has endured four suicides, three of which were current students at the school. If you began reading this article with the understanding that suicide has not personally affected your life…you are mistaken. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 years. It is a terrifying thought, but the reality of the situation is that so many people our age can be suffering this terrible urge, and you could have no idea of their pain.
Suicide is such a taboo topic. Everyone is afraid to talk about it due to the severity of the issue. This needs to change. Conversations must occur to let people know that this is a growing issue that either directly or indirectly touches all of our lives. Just knowing that we have lost fellow TCNJ lions to this tragedy is enough to make it personal. There is so much stigma and negativity surrounding mental disorders and seeking help, but there shouldn’t be. Mental disorders are just as much of a disease as Cancer is, the only difference is no one can see how much you are truly suffering. No one is perfect and you should never try to be. Don’t forget about yourself and about your needs, and always take a break when you feel you need it.
No one can take your place, you are so important in this world and there are so many people who love you and need you. You have impacted so many more people than you think. Just think of all the people who have had an impact on your life but you have neglected to tell them that they have. By then end of this month, make it your mission to let those people know how important they are to you, and how much they matter. Pay attention if you notice major changes in your friends’ behaviors. Look out for your friends and classmates and keep an eye out for warning signs. Suicide has already stolen four lives from our very own campus. WE have to put an end to this. It is up to us to make a difference and encourage others to seek help. We are TCNJ Lions, and just as lions are stronger in packs than as individuals, we must stay strong as a community. We must take care of ourselves and make sure our friends do the same.
Warning signs to look out for:
•Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
•Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
•Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
•Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
•Talking about being a burden to others.
•Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
•Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
•Sleeping too little or too much.
•Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
•Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
•Displaying extreme mood swings.
NEVER FORGET: life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. You are so important, you are so strong, and you are so loved. Stay tough lions, in the words of Troy Bolton in High School Musical: “We’re all in this together”
Services offered at TCNJ are listed at caps.tcnj.edu and clinic.tcnj.eduFor Immediate Concerns: Call 911 or Campus Police 609-771-2345Capital Health Regional Medical Center Emergency Mental Health Services at 609-396-4357New Jersey Hopeline at 1-855-654-6735The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK
This article is in memory of Patrick Donahue, Paige Aiello, Michael Menakis, Sarah Sutherland. Rest in heavenly peace lions.
Sources:http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=705f4071-99a7-f3f5-e2a64a5a8beaadd8http://www.suicidology.org/http://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/fac…