On Sept. 18, Send Silence Packing, an event with a display of 1,100 backpacks representing the 1,100 college students who commit suicide every year, finally came to Monmouth on its traveling tour.
The rain did not deter the over 400 students that trickled through the Student Center Patio to read the mini-display filled with stories of those affected by suicide.
Not only that, but students were able to understand warning signs, identify local support systems and were able to recognize campus support programs as well.
250 students, faculty, and staff roamed through Anacon Hall as they viewed the 1,100 student backpacks.
Active Minds, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about mental health, has monumentalized those lives lost by placing these backpacks on campuses throughout the nation.
The event, Send Silence Packing, has been implemented at other campuses such as, Farleigh Dickinson University, The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, and many others.
Christopher McKitrick, Psychological Counselor with Counseling and Psychological Services, said “While participants noticed the gravity behind the reason of the exhibit, many expressed a sense of hope after the exhibit.”
McKitrick has been an avid supporter and has been gearing up for this movement to come to Monmouth for two years.
Active Minds, along with Counseling and Psychological Services, the brothers of Tau Delta Phi, the Office of Residential Life, accompanied by numerous anonymous donations from the community all helped to make the event what it was.
The student chapter of Active Minds threw themselves, the majority of their time and effort, and budget into planning and making the event as impactful as it could be, and surely, the community believes it was a success.
Scott McVetty, a senior political science student and brother of Tau Delta Phi, said “The event was moving in more ways than one. When hearing about the event, I knew it was going to be big and create a lasting effect on the Monmouth community.”
Throughout the backpacks littered on the floor around Anacon, messages of hope, positivity, and enlightenment were scattered to not only uplift the travelers, but to instill in students that suicide is not the answer and help is always available.
Elaine Banting, a senior health studies student, was in complete awe of the event. “The moment I entered the room it was a lot to take in, but it was such a moving experience,” she said.
“Reading all of those stories was really tough, but death is something that is hard to talk about regardless. Active Minds did a great job with showing each and every person’s story,” Banting continued.
Students who have been personally affected by suicide viewed the event with pride in our community and have commended Monmouth’s ability to open up the discussion on suicide and destigmatizing mental health.
This openness gives students an outlet to be able to seek help, should they need it.
Sean Loftus, a senior health studies student, said, “It was shocking to read all of the stories; I was left completely speechless.”
McKitrick said, “Echoed in the feedback from participants is the notion of ‘Monmouth Hawks fly together,’ and that Hawks support Hawks and encourage students to seek help.”
It is easy to get lost in the sea of college life, but, with events just like Send Silence Packing, our local Monmouth community continues to reassure us that we truly aren’t alone.
With a sort of fist to the air, Banting said, “I am very thankful that we had this display, because it could really help a lot of people. Send silence packing!”
PHOTO COURTESY of Christopher Hirschler.
