Counseling Services, in conjunction with Student Health Services, Campus Housing and Student Affairs want to send a strong message for those feeling emotionally overwhelmed. They hope to do that by promoting National Suicide Prevention Week at UW-Platteville.

The National Suicide Prevention Week campaign grew out of the World Suicide Prevention event held on Sept. 10. With National Depression Screening Day on Oct. 8 fast approaching, Counseling Services is working to spread the word about how suicide and depression go hand-in-hand.  Counseling Services is working to reach students with announcements via UW-P’s Intercom and campus presentations.

Some of those signs of potential suicide are: giving away prized possessions, signs of depression, engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior, a specific plan of how suicide would be carried out, and previous suicide attempts.  If you or a friend exhibits such behaviors, it would be in the best interest of that individual to contact help immediately. Deirdre Dalsing, a UW-P counselor, said that students who are concerned about themselves or others can contact Dean of Students Rich Egley at concerns@uwplatt.edu.

Dalsing said that suicide has been listed as the third-leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds and the second-highest cause of death among college students. Students can be depressed due to the stress from heavy course loads, personal relationships and a busy work schedule. Amberae Rusch, junior criminal justice major, said. “[The stress of school and life] gets to be a lot. You just have to put the books aside for awhile and take some time for yourself, it’s the only way to accomplish everything and stay sane.”

Whether it is dealing with the stress of school or addressing suicidal thoughts, Counseling Services wants UW-P students to know they are a resource for students. Dalsing, along with the rest of the Counseling Services staff, is working to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.