September is suicide awareness month or as it’s otherwise known, “Yellow September” because a yellow ribbon signifies suicide prevention and awareness support. As such, right now, it’s so important to understand the resources available to all of us in the Boise State community, to spread awareness and in the process, destigmatize talking about mental health. Here are some tools everyone at Boise State can use and pass along to anyone who might find them useful.
1) Counseling Services
At Counseling Services, you can work with a licensed counselor or psychologist to tap into your strengths and address concerns that might otherwise keep you from reaching your goals. They offer individual, multi-person couples, and group counseling.
2) CARE reporting
A CARE report is a way for the campus community to report a concern they might have about someone. Someone on the CARE team will determine the best way to respond to the reports. It can be difficult to know when or if you should try to help someone you see struggling, so here are some guidelines to help you know when to make a CARE Report.
3) Crisis Text Line
Anyone in the US or Canada can text 741741 to immediately be connected with a crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line. Trained counselors are available to help and chat about problems ranging from COVID-19 stress, school anxiety, depression, and more. The service is open 24/7, day and night.
4) The Office of the Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students offers a (recently back online) food pantry, financial, and legal assistance. Not only that, but they also can help students work through the difficulties of attending college during COVID. They have a bunch of great ideas to help you destress at home, and if any staff or student becomes worried about someone for any reason, they open their doors for consultation and reporting help.
5) Suicide Prevention Hotlines
The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are also available at any time of day for those who need support. They offer help to those in crisis, or who need someone to talk to. They can help individuals in crisis make a safety plan, help reduce stress and feel empowered to make difficult decisions, help people find the specific resources they need, and so much more.
Idaho: (208) 398-4357
National: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
5 ½) Check out this incredible Ted Talk from Sadie Penn
Sadie has first-hand experience with how difficult mental health struggles can be. Listen to this incredible talk about how she’d like to remove the stigma from talking about suicide and asking for help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRo5Db_7yVI