Tigers Together to Prevent Suicide

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time when the nation comes together to remember those impacted by suicide, educate on suicide prevention, engage in advocacy and promote mental health resources. At Clemson University, the month provides a chance to highlight Clemson's dedication to Tigers Together, the University's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention that places students' well-being front and center. The purpose of Tigers Together is to prevent suicide by decreasing risk factors, enhancing protective factors, facilitating advocacy trainings, reducing stigma and creating an overall community of caring. Tigers Together conveys the shared responsibility of all members of the University community to cultivate a safe and nurturing environment for one another.

College years are characterized by multiple transitions. Stress is a normal and expected reaction to these transitions. Sometimes stress can be managed with basic self-care skills, like connecting with your peers or engaging in activities. There are other times when the pressure can feel overwhelming, and we need professional help to cope effectively with emotional distress.

The 2022 National College Health Assessment revealed that 28.4% of Clemson students report having been diagnosed with anxiety and 20.6% diagnosed with depression. Just as physical health varies among individuals, so does mental health. Some may never require therapy, while others find it indispensable. The key lies in recognizing that wherever you fall on this continuum, your mental health is significant and merits attention.

While activities like taking a stroll outside or connecting with fellow students can be profoundly beneficial, there are also numerous on-campus resources available to support your holistic well-being:

• Academic Success Center
• Campus Recreation
• Center for Career and Professional Development
• Clemson Sustainability
• Center for Student Leadership and Engagement

Engaging in campus life is a proactive step for safeguarding your mental well-being. As September unfolds, consider taking an active role in the University's efforts to prevent suicide:

• Attend one or more of Clemson Undergraduate Student Government's Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week events taking place September 16-20.

• Read the Chief Well-being Officer's September blog. Anna Fitch Courie, DNP, and director of Counseling and Psychological Services, Birma Gainor, PhD, collaborated to discuss suicide prevention, offering hope, support and resources, inspiring all to take an active role in helping others.

• Request a Tigers Together Suicide Prevention Advocacy Training for your group or organization. This one-hour training equips you with the knowledge, skills and resources to identify signs of distress, offer immediate assistance and guide others toward professional support.
• Follow @tigerstogether_ and @clemsonhealthycampus on Instagram to stay up to date with resources and upcoming events, including the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk that takes place in the Spring semester.

There are actions that you can take to prevent suicide.

Recognize Warning Signs:

These warning signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
• Having access to self-destructive means.
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
• Displaying extreme mood swings.

What to Do:

• Take the warning signs seriously. Do not ignore the signs in hopes they will go away.

• Reach out. Show your concern. Don't worry about saying the wrong thing. Your genuine concern is what is important.
• Ask if the person is thinking about suicide. Be direct. Be persistent and sensitive to solicit an answer.
• Convey hope to the person who is struggling. Hope is the best defense against suicide.
• Listen and accept the person's feelings calmly and without judgment.
• Do not act shocked or argue with the person.
• Don't be sworn to secrecy.
• Know the resources at Clemson University and in our community.

Available Resources:

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support.
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers counseling services to students who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Reach out to CAPS for a safe and supportive environment to discuss your challenges. You can call 864-656-2451 to set up an appointment during business hours or press 2 from the option menu to be connected with a counselor after hours.
• CARE Network: If you are concerned about a fellow student's well-being but aren't sure how to help, consider submitting a CARE Network referral form. While this is not for emergencies, this referral will initiate the University's support network to reach out to the individual in question and connect them to resources.
• Tigers Together Suicide Prevention Website: The Tigers Together website includes resources and other helpful information related to mental health and suicide prevention.

Tigers Together is not just a slogan, but a testament to Clemson's commitment to the mental health and well-being of every individual in the University community. By understanding the continuum of mental health, utilizing on-campus resources, participating in awareness events and recognizing warning signs, we can create a supportive and caring community that stands united against suicide. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of fellow Tigers.