Chalk Walk

If you walked down Drury Lane last week, it was pretty hard to miss: positive messages were seemingly everywhere, covering Drury’s sidewalks in bright yellow chalk.

‘You matter,’ ‘life is worth living,’ ‘you are loved’: the Drury community took advantage of chalk provided by Panthers for Prevention across campus in order to write these uplifting words, phrases, and more. Others traced their handprints, in order to symbolize someone they knew who lost their life to suicide. 

Drury’s ‘Chalk Walk’ was an event that demonstrated the sense of community at Drury, and further exemplified the support system that students have to reach out to on campus in times of need. Students were also wearing yellow across campus on Monday to show support and solidarity for those affected. 

The Chalk Walk was only one part of Panthers for Prevention’s Suicide Awareness Week.

(Photo via Panthers for Prevention)

A week of support and awareness

On Tuesday, a cheerful drum circle outside in Kellogg Green Space provided extra entertainment and music for students on their way to classes. The drum circle, hosted by the Drury Student Music Therapy Association, was intended as an avenue for stress relief, fun, and for students to see music as a means of coping and healing. Yellow ribbons were also given out to students in order to wear as a show of support.

Wednesday’s events kicked off with an information table outside the counseling offices, with plenty of resources for students who may be struggling, or know someone who is having a hard time. Carnations were passed out to students, and each flower was tagged with an inspirational message. 

Thursday provided opportunities for students to relax and decompress during an outdoor showing of the movie “Inside Out” in Sunderland Field with snacks for all.

Suicide Awareness Week ended on Friday, with a banner signing outside of the FSC Commons, the multitude of names on the banner representing the amount of students who care about suicide and mental health. Other students felt encouraged to sign the banner in memory of loved ones lost to suicide, or for support of someone they love who may struggle with these thoughts.

(Photo via pixabay.com)

Suicide Awareness Week aims to spread a spirit of support across campus, in a time where some students may be feeling drained. As classes have officially begun to become more difficult and tedious, students are likely feeling the intensity and stress levels begin to rise. 

For freshmen, adjusting to new living spaces, new schedules, new freedoms, and new responsibilities can seem like a daunting task. Returning students may also be stressed about upper-level or notoriously hard classes, or missing their friends who recently graduated.

Planning an event that centers on destigmatizing mental health and providing students with resources and a support network is always important, but it may be the most timely at the beginning of the year. 

Deborah Cohen, PhD, is a professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina who believes that feeling lonely in college, particularly during the first few weeks of one’s freshman year, is “typical and very normal.” In her experience, she recommends that students find a support system, get involved in on-campus groups, and attend evening and weekend events. 

Events such as last week’s Suicide Awareness activities foster a sense of community and belonging, and can help students meet new people and gain valuable connections. 

Changes to counselling on campus

Drury has undergone several efforts to improve and expand its offerings to students needing a little extra help. This year, Dr. Philip Swope, a clinical psychologist, joined Drury’s Panther Clinic as part of the Burrell Behavioral Health partnership. 

Dr. Swope is a very valuable addition to the Drury community, and his clinical expertise and experience are likely to help provide even more resources to Drury students. Students are allowed to drop in on a first come, first served basis, and can receive 30-minute sessions tailored to their individual needs. Treatable conditions include: anxiety, panic, insomnia, stress management, substance abuse, anger, and many more. 

Although the addition of the Burrell Behavioral Health partnership is undoubtedly an important new resource for students, Drury’s counselling services are still operating and accepting walk-ins, with mental health counselors Jena Goodall, and director Ed Derr.

While asking for help can be challenging for students, the Counseling Office wants students to feel comfortable in seeking guidance. Jena Goodall, mental health counselor,  encourages students to reach out.

Panther Clinic (Photo via drury.edu)

“We at the Drury Counseling office are committed to helping students sort through difficult feelings and troubling situations and assisting them in finding ways to cope and re-discover purpose in their life.” stated Goodall. 

However, mental health counselors realize that sometimes, students can be worried about their friends’ mental health, and that it can seem like an awkward topic. 

“Helping a friend who is struggling with thoughts of suicide can be difficult as well.  We encourage students to simply ask ‘Are you ok?’ when you notice red flags with your fellow classmates and friends.” Goodall suggested. 

Further, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month. As a whole, it is a great way to break stigma and get important conversations started about the challenges that so many people face every day. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there are 129 suicides on average per day in our country. Unfortunately, Missouri’s rate of suicide (deaths per 100,000 people) is almost 19, and the national average is 14, making Missouri a higher-risk state. That breaks down to a disturbing reality of an average of one death per every eight hours in our state.

Panthers for Prevention member Lauren Pyle hopes that the events helped to spread awareness and show students that they are not alone. 

“I think it is important to acknowledge that you don’t have to be happy and at your best 100%. It’s important to not ignore any negative feelings, but to find a healthy way to express them.” Pyle stated. She too expressed the importance of utilizing Drury’s free counselling services, and that there is nothing to be ashamed of if you need a little extra help in a difficult time. 

“Going to counseling or other campus resources can be very empowering,” said Pyle. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, schedule an appointment or referral online with the Panther Clinic, or reach out to Counseling Services at https://www.drury.edu/counseling/forms/MakeAnAppt.php. 

Written by Olive Thompson.