As September dawns on us, campus get busier, assignments start to pile up, and with it comes Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect, raise awareness, and attempt at making real strides in stopping tragedies. At JMU, we’ve had the unfortunate occurrence of already seeing too many of our own become a statistic in a heartbreaking case. It’s far past time to change this cycle we’ve been seeing. Suicide should’nt to be an annual event on our campus, there is a future at JMU where we can remember September for its beginnings rather than painful losses. There is no room at JMU for this type of sadness to become a routine part of every student’s college experience.
After a big tragedy on campus in 2022 my roommate turned to me and said, “I couldn’t imagine you not being alive and having to come home to all your things.” The comment gave me goosebumps knowing that luckily we haven’t had to experience that, but someone on this campus can’t say the same. Every September we mark the loss of those who struggled in silence, and it’s a gut punch every time. But here’s the agonizing truth – grieving and discussing tragedy when it happens isn’t enough and it never has been. We need action, ongoing conversation, but most importantly we need change and we need it before another life is lost.
Where would one even start to create that change? Well, a societal shift in the stigma would be helpful. In the meantime, we can remember that it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of only talking about mental health when tragedy strikes. And instead, we can start actively trying to make mental health a part of our daily conversations. Imagine a campus and community where checking in on others is as normal as going to grab D-hall with a friend.
For the most part, everyone’s got that one friend who always has their back no matter what. Why not strive to be that friend for everyone all the time, no more waiting until a crisis has already struck to bring mental health to the forefront. Another crucial aspect to this falls on JMU’s obligation to ensure that everyone knows where to find help, it’s also important that these services are available for Dukes when they need them.
Creating a culture of openness begins with baby steps, but by talking about our mental health in classes, dorms or even frat parties if the drinks are leading you into that conversation, JMU can build an environment where it’s okay not to be okay, and that’s not just some cheesy slogan you hear, it’s reality. A place where seeking help is a strength and celebrated, that’s a campus I would be proud of being a part of. After all, college is all about learning and growing, that includes the knowledge of all relationships and learning how to support and love others.
September needs to be a launchpad for ongoing initiatives that prevent suicide, making it more than a post made on instagram this month; it should be a catalyst for continuous action. The key is to keep the suicide conversation going and make mental health a priority, not just a yearly tragedy we are forced to endure.
Lastly, let’s remember that change starts with each of us. Each person on this campus has the power to create a ripple effect in our community by showing empathy, offering support to strangers and actively participating in mental initiatives. We as Dukes can contribute to a more caring, resilient campus environment by being what a Duke was meant to be. September needs to be a time of reflection, but it doesn’t need to be marked by grief or loss.
Always remember, if you are ever struggling you are not alone, and ending your life doesn’t fix the problem it just eliminates a solution. You deserve to stay.