According to Suicide Facts & Figures: Michigan 2019 *, an individual dies by suicide every six hours in Michigan. In an attempt to decrease suicide rates nationwide and give the general public more information about mental health, the United States holds an annual week-long campaign, National Suicide Prevention Week. This year it began on Sunday, September 5 and ended on Saturday, September 11. In Suicide in Michigan: A Hidden Health Issue, suicide was listed as the leading cause of injury death in Michigan and was more common among males than females. COVID-19 has increased the levels of anxiety and depression seen within the public and negatively impacted the mental health of many people. The Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission Initial Report March 2021 reveals that the overall rate of suicide within Michigan has increased by 28% since 2009, while the suicide death rate for 18-25 year olds in Michigan has increased by 73%. Shockingly, the report noted that only 33% of those who die by suicide had a prior behavioral health visit.
On Andrews University’s campus, the Counseling and Testing Center offers free counseling services to enrolled undergraduate and graduate students and their spouses. The center is located in Bell Hall Suite 123 and can be reached by phone at (269) 471-3470. Group therapy is offered in addition to individual counseling. The Counseling and Testing Center lists many different signs of distress that may indicate a need for counseling services including abrupt changes in behavior, isolation, feeling sad for a long period of time, missing classes, paranoia, drug and alcohol abuse, fatigue or low energy, sudden outbursts of anger, attention or memory challenges, irritability, threats of bodily injury or harm to others, expressing feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness, and suicidal thoughts or feelings. If you believe one of your friends may be contemplating suicide, it is important to have a conversation with them, and you can contact the Counseling and Testing Center if you are unsure how to approach the situation or for more resources. Overall, it is important to remember that needing counseling is not abnormal; it can be a beneficial way to learn how to cope with the many problems of life and grow from them.
If you or someone you know needs help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted 24-7 at 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255. Coronavirus - Mental Health Resources has several emotional support resources.
Additionally, there are many on-campus resources including:
- Campus Safety (269-471-3321)
- The Student Success Center (269-471-6096)
- Campus Ministries (269-471-3211)
- University Medical Specialties (269-473-2222)
- Counseling and Testing Center (269-471-3470).
Riverwood Center also has a 24-hour crisis hotline, which can be reached at 800-336-0341. Please do not hesitate to reach out and get the help you need!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.