[Content Warning: Mention of suicide in relation to suicide prevention.]
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Sept. 10 is widely acknowledged as World Suicide Prevention Day. Kappa Alpha Theta’s philosophy on mental health prioritizes creating a safe environment for members to discuss mental health issues, encourages members to recognize when someone might benefit from mental health support, and supports members facing mental health challenges and conditions. This includes speaking openly about suicide, including its prevalence among young people and opportunities to prevent it.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)’s Talk Away the Dark campaign identifies several ways you can take action through advocacy, education, participation, and connection. The Jed Foundation (JED) has focused its National Suicide Prevention Month campaign on five intentional words: It’s OK to Say Suicide. Both AFSP and JED are industry-leading mental health organizations with a wealth of information and resources catered specifically to college students. We encourage members and friends of Theta to check out ASFP’s and JED’s suicide prevention campaigns and resources.
Remember to utilize the suicide prevention training Theta offers in partnership with MindWise Innovations. MindWise on Campus uses video and interactive learning to teach students how to ACT (acknowledge, care, tell) if they are worried about themselves or a friend. This training is made available to members thanks to a generous grant from Theta Foundation.
Members who are interested in learning more about MindWise on Campus and other mental health resources offered by Theta are invited to attend an upcoming mental health resources info session. Dates and registration information can be found below.
- Mental Health Info Session #1: Thursday, Sept. 14, 4:30 p.m. Eastern / 3:30 p.m. Central / 2:30 p.m. Mountain / 1:30 p.m. Pacific
- Mental Health Info Session #2: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7:00 p.m. Eastern / 6:00 p.m. Central / 5:00 p.m. Mountain / 4:00 p.m. Pacific
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation—or any mental health crisis—text HOME to 741-741 (U.S.) or CONNECT to 686868 (Canada) to connect with a crisis counselor.