Monmouth University’s Sigma Pi will be hosting a Suicide Awareness event on the Great Lawn of Wilson Hall at Monmouth University on Sunday, September 20 at 11:00 am. Chandler Nichols, a senior at Monmouth University and Third Counselor on the Sigma Pi Executive Board is organizing the event on behalf of the Sigma Pi Fraternity along with Sorority Alpha Sigma Tau and sponsors Dr. Lee, Director for Counseling and Psychological Services in collaboration with Amy Bellina, Director of Student Services and Student Center Operations. There will be bubbles released to show support for suicide prevention and National Suicide Prevention month which takes place in September.
Chandler is a proud member of Sigma Pi, a fraternity on campus whose philanthropy is suicide awareness. Their goal is to increase the knowledge of mental health, improve help-seeking of students at risk for suicide, and increase the visibility of National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hotline numbers for depression and suicide prevention.
Information will be provided from the Department of Counseling and Psychological services and from the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
There will be representation from every organization in Greek Life. This event can increase awareness regarding suicide, but even more importantly, encourage help-seeking behaviors for those who may be struggling with these feelings.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression and bipolar disorder in young adults are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior. The strongest factors for suicide in this age group are depression, substance abuse, and aggressive behavior. Educating students about the signs of suicide can raise awareness and
potentially save someone’s life.
By improving the identification and referral of students at risk, we hope to deliver the message that suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
