Twloha.com is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding help for those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. The national suicide prevention lifeline is 1 (800) 273 TALK (8255) and donations can be given through suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Depression and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, even Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who committed suicide July 20, after allegedly struggling with drugs, alcohol and depression.
“He was not in his right mind,†Ishalay Clay, pre-nursing junior at the University of Memphis, said. “He wanted to do it on his own. A lot of people don’t like to talk about their problems. A lot of singers do drugs. They take drugs to take their mind off the fame. They don’t trust people with their problems.â€
Suicide rates have increased 24 percent from 1999 to 2014, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and it is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 34.
According to a study from the Center for Collegiate Help, students attending counseling services increased by almost 39 percent over the last five years.
The U of M Counseling Center, located in 214 Wilder Tower, helps students struggling with depression or any other personal concern.
Lorna Horishny, senior administrative secretary at the counseling center, described the center as “a place to keep students safe.â€
“We have counselors and one psychiatrist nurse practitioner who manages medicine for students who don’t have insurance,†Horishny said. “We don’t take anything for granted if someone mentions hurting themselves.â€
These services are provided to U of M students enrolled in at least six hours. Along with counseling, the center has opened a stress management center to help students manage stress and anxiety.
Memphis students can reach out for help on campus without facing negative stigma about suicide and depression, which can often prevent people from seeking out help.
“I think that people are afraid to admit that they have suicidal thoughts because they are ashamed of those thoughts,†Zachary Kalamar, creative mass media freshman, said.
Although suicide is one of the leading causes of death, it is preventable. Learning to understand symptoms and offering support can help to save someone’s life.
Beth Harms, a senior psychology and sociology major, said stress could be a reason there is a growing trend of suicides among college students.
“I think it’s because of the stress college students today face with things like money,†Harms said. “We can offer more education and available resources to those who need it.â€
Anyone struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts can contact the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
