By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
Alabama State University’s Counseling Center hosted its annual “R U Good?” Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Day event on October 10. The event was held in the Amphitheater of the John Garrick Hardy Student Center.
Chris Johns, director of ASU's Counseling Center (Center), shared that the event featured mental health vendors and those attending had the opportunity to participate in various self-care activities. “R U Good?” also served as a reminder to ASU students and employees that the Counseling Center offers assessments, treatments and a "friendly ear" for those who are contemplating suicide or suffering from depression, or other emotional, behavioral and psychological disorders.
Johns explained that the Center hosted the event after examining data that shows suicide is the second leading cause of death among people 15 to 24 years-old in the United States.
"Young people are very vulnerable to suicide, and teenagers and young adults have had rising rates of suicide compared to just 10-15 years ago. The things that make them at risk are where they stand socially and where they are developmentally, compounded with other factors," Johns remarked. "This age group falls squarely among the profile of our students at Alabama State, and it is our duty and our prerogative to do all that we can do to show them that suicide is NOT the answer to any problem or issue, and that the Hornet Nation family cares for them."
According to the Alabama Public Health Department's latest data, in 2021, more than 48,000 individuals died by suicide nationwide, and 840 of those incidents were in Alabama. Johns believes that these numbers will continue to grow if they are ignored. He said that is why Alabama State University's Counseling Center has been addressing this issue for the past eight years.
ASU's Counseling Center, located in the J. Garrick Hardy Student Center, offers year-round services to help those who live, learn and work at ASU who may have emotional or behavioral issues such as depression.
"Our Center is free and open for any and all students and employees five days a week, all year long, summer included," Johns said. "Determining the early signs of mental health problems is easy to diagnose for both teens and adults alike, and getting advice and help is important in protecting one's own mental well-being and that of our friends, and classmates. Signs we should be aware of in ourselves and in our friends and family include prolonged sadness, anxiety, social withdrawal, and changes in behavior."
Johns explained that for many people, one of the problems leading to more severe cases of emotional and behavioral issues that sometimes leads to suicide is not getting help early enough. Johns stated that if students or employees are experiencing the signs of mental health issues, it is critical either to come to the ASU Center or to visit another professional practitioner.
"Knowing how to spot the early signs of mental health issues and illnesses can equip
you or someone you know who is affected by it to address problems earlier and feel
better sooner. That is why we urge any member of the Hornet Nation family to visit
with us, which is totally confidential and free, and allow us to help people, help
themselves. Many times, it is not a serious issue," stated Johns.
Johns said the signs of mental health issues may vary, but the Center can provide
coping strategies to help improve clients’ emotional well-being.
"Emotional and mental health is individualized and complex and no two people share
the exact same genetic, environmental, and mental makeup, so problems will look different
for almost everyone," explained Johns.
Though the signs may vary from person to person, most people exhibit certain warning
signs that fall into three specific categories: physical, behavioral and emotional.
Some of the general signs of mental health issues include changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, a lack of personal hygiene, increased sensitivity to lights or sounds, not wanting to be around people, scars or marks indicating self-harm, hair loss, weight changes, fatigue, nausea, increased heart rate, hallucinations, slowed speech or hyperactive speech, and feelings of hopelessness.
"If you or someone you love have been showing changes in any of these categories or in thoughts, feelings, or actions, use these warning signs as a guide to contact us so we may determine the next steps and see if it’s time to seek support or therapy of some sort. We all deserve to live happy lives and our ASU Center is here to help people do so," Johns concluded.
To contact ASU's Counseling Center: 334-229-4382 or UCC@alasu.edu.