September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s a reminder that mental health matters on every campus, including here at Southern University. According to the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, suicide is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. For many college students, the challenges of adjusting to a new environment can feel overwhelming, which makes raising awareness even more important.
College is often described as the “best years of your life,” but the reality is that it’s also a difficult transition. For students at Southern and other HBCUs, stress can come from financial struggles, heavy academic workloads, and the pressure to succeed in a completely new setting. These challenges can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, and for some, thoughts of suicide.
I spoke with Charnel Jackson, a licensed counselor with the University Counseling Service, and asked, “Why is Suicide Prevention Month important for HBCUs specifically?
” She explained, “There are stigmas placed on HBCUs not just for suicide but for mental health overall, and people—students especially—need to know that there are resources and options besides harming themselves.”
That’s why it’s critical to recognize the warning signs in yourself and in your peers. Some red flags include:
- Extreme mood swings or sudden changes in behavior
- Talking or acting like life feels hopeless
- Pulling away from family, friends, or campus activities
- Turning to drugs or alcohol more than usual
- Making troubling or suspicious posts on social media
- Skipping classes or ignoring assignments
Noticing these signs could give you the chance to reach out, check in, and possibly save a life. Sometimes, just being there for a friend and showing them they are not alone can make all the difference.
Here on campus, students have access to valuable support. The University Health and Counseling Center offer free, confidential counseling sessions for those struggling with their mental health. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or something bigger, trained professionals are available to listen and guide you through it.
Southern also encourages students to:
-
- Listen to your own feelings and speak up if something feels off
- Pay attention to what your friends may be going through
- Get involved in campus clubs, groups, and organizations to build a community that supports you
- Remember that your feelings—and others’—are valid
As students, it’s easy to believe we must push through everything on our own, but that’s not true. Asking for help shows courage, and it can change the course of someone’s life. Suicide Prevention Month is about breaking the stigma and reminding everyone that you don’t have to carry the weight alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait—call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.
