2018 National Suicide Prevention Week & Recovery Month Events
News
During National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 9th-15th, 2018) & National Recovery Month you will find events, information, giveaways, and resources available on campus. There are several upcoming events we invite you to attend:
Tuesday, 9/11/18, (6pm in Grafton-Stovall Theatre) come hear invited guest Bryan Adams from the Active Minds Speaker's Bureau present his story “My War on PTSD.” Bryan will be sharing his incredible story of survival and emphasizing that seeking help is not a sign of weakness and often leads to a successful recovery. He will share his physical and mental health recovery process and what we can do to create a healthier and more supportive community. Bryan’s mental health story began in Tikrit, Iraq in 2004 when he was shot twice during an ambush. Bryan received the Purple Heart after returning home, but was not prepared for how challenging the transition to a college campus would be. He started speaking after overcoming depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A graduate of Rutgers University, Bryan is currently the Assistant Director of the Veteran and Military Services for the Rutgers University System. This event is sponsored by the JMU Counseling Center, University Health Center's the Well, & the JMU Veterans Scholars Task Force.
Wednesday, 9/12/18 (2pm in Madison Union room 405), come learn about ways to Reduce the Risk of Suicide at JMU. This 45 minute introductory presentation is designed to help students, faculty, and staff increase their awareness about suicide prevention, identify warning signs of suicidality, and learn more about emergency mental health services available and ways to connect distressed students with support.
Tuesday, 9/18, (7-8pm in the Madison Union Ballroom) students are invited to attend a Self-Care Workshop. Those who attend will have a chance to learn more about self-care and practice a variety of self-care activities including: yoga, vist with a therapy dog, aromatherapy, deep breathing, biofeedback, and grounding techniques. Attendance is limited to the first 80 participants. This event is co-sponsored by The University Health Center & JMU Counseling Center.
You can make a difference in reducing the risk of suicide and offering support.
We encourage you to show: C.A.R.E.
- Care about your friend
- Ask calmly and directly about suicide
- Refer to counseling or emergency services
- Encourage hope for the future
Look for the Counseling Center’s tabling throughout the week (in the SSC, Festival, & on the Commons). And, explore our Counseling Center website to learn more information about suicide prevention & emergency services. This week represents a call for action. There is help and there is hope, together we can indeed save lives!
