Dayton Skyline | Photo by Austin Kunkle | Kunkle Aerial Imagery
In times of political warfare, a global pandemic, and the beginning of a new semester, there could not be a more perfect time to check on the mental well-being of your loved ones and colleagues.
September is known throughout the United States as National Suicide Prevention month. In the unprecedented times that we currently face it’s crucial to take care of those amongst us who may be reaching out for help, or may be showing signs that help is needed.
Resources for Raiders
“Wright State students have access to a variety of services at Counseling and Wellness Services. We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and offer individual, group, and couples counseling, psychological assessment, crisis intervention and life coaching services,” said Staff Therapist at Counseling and Wellness Services Dr. Jessica Moss.
Students at Wright State University may be experiencing a vast number of changes throughout everyday life this semester, and are encouraged to reach out to Counseling and Wellness Services if the weight of the world is seemingly too much to bear.
“We are offering group counseling via video conference on WebEx this semester. Students can also contact Student Advocacy and Wellness, which serves as a resource center for students and aims to help students help themselves overcome obstacles that may negatively impact their academic experience. Their phone number is 937.775.3749 and they have a 24/7 line that can be reached at 937.260.0167,” Moss said.
You can do this!
2015 Park University graduate Lauren Crans sympathizes with those students enrolled in full-time classes this fall, acknowledging the hardships that uncertain times can add to the stress of being a college student.
“I was a single mother during my college years. The uncertainty of day-to-day life and the added stress of raising a child put me in a strange place mentally,” Crans said. “But college is something you shouldn’t have to do by yourself, reach out and ask for the help. Sometimes the hardest thing about getting help is simply taking the action to ask.”
Nationwide there has been an increase in the amount of hospitalizations due to self-harm since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and social workers in the Dayton area have taken note of social changes amongst the area’s population.
Deb Flynn, a social worker at CareSource Dayton, says that actively making time for self-care is a crucial part in fighting the demons that can manifest themselves in times of hardship.
“This can take the form of many things. Not everyone is made from the same fabric, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some people enjoy yoga, taking walks, exercising, etc.,” Flynn said. “Whatever brings you joy and helps ease your mind should always have a place in your daily schedule, especially for students who are already juggling so much.”
With mental health professionals, licensed psychologists, and mental health groups available on campus this semester, Raiders can have peace of mind knowing that there is a vast amount of available resources and people to reach out to if help is needed.
Anyone needing emergency help on campus may call Raider Cares at 833.848.1765, TTY 314-485-4345.
