September is National Suicide
Prevention Awareness Month, and Southeast Community College is offering
specialized trainings for employees and students to recognize the signs of
someone contemplating suicide.
“Suicide
and mental health topics still face stigma, and it is imperative that we all
strive to talk more about these things so those who can relate know there is
help, and not to feel uncomfortable treating these symptoms,” said Kalika
Jantzen, Director of the Counseling Assistance Program for Students at SCC.
Every Friday via Zoom, SCC is
hosting Question Persuade Refer (QPR) trainings throughout the month of
September. During the training sessions, participants will learn to recognize
the signs of distress in others and how to help. Employees also will be able to
earn one hour of safety credit.
Jantzen said these trainings
are always important, perhaps more than ever because of the ongoing pandemic,
and the stress and hardships so many people are going through as a result.
“In
recent months, the rates of suicide, psychiatric hospitalization and overall
distress have increased,” Jantzen said. “Physical distancing has affected
individuals’ ability to cope at times and led to increased isolation for
some. Any offer of hope and connection to a resource can greatly decrease
the likelihood that a person completes suicide.”
She added that suicide is the
second-leading cause of death among those 10-34 years old. If you or someone you know is
contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
800-273-TALK (8255) or Text 741-741.
For more information, contact Kalika Jantzen at (402) 437-2286, Ext. 2286 or kjantzen@southeast.edu