Important Suicide Prevention Film to be Presented at USM
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 07:03am | By: Van Arnold
Student Counseling Services at The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi (USM) is partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to host a short film presentation titled, 鈥淚t鈥檚 Real: College Students and Mental Health鈥� on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. in the University Union Room A on the Hattiesburg campus.
The special event is being held in conjunction with September鈥檚 designation as Suicide Awareness Month. 鈥淚t鈥檚 Real鈥� follows six students who wrestled with mental health concerns, sought treatment, and found their own sense of balance. It encourages students to be mindful of the state of their mental health, to acknowledge and recognize when they are struggling, and to take steps to seek help.
This short documentary is designed to raise awareness about mental health issues commonly experienced by students. It is appropriate for all students, staff, and faculty.
鈥淐ollege is an important point of transition in a person鈥檚 life and may feel overwhelming. Through the powerful, real-life stories told by six students, the film offers a deeper understanding of the struggles many have adjusting to college life as they manage stress and cope with common mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression 鈥� in each case, connecting to a support network and/or mental health services to get the help they needed,鈥� said Brittany Quito, Mental Wellness Outreach Coordinator, Student Counseling Services at USM.
She adds: 鈥淪hame and fear often prevent students from seeking help, even when they know about available services and support. Through this film, AFSP hopes to reach other students, and communicate that they are not alone, and that it鈥檚 okay to ask for help.鈥�
Snacks will be provided and a Q&A session will follow the screening. Those wanting to attend must a seat.