JMU Counseling Center working to reduce the risk of suicide

To align with National Suicide Prevention Week, which is currently underway, the JMU Counseling Center has hosted a series of events and informational tables over the past few days. These events are part of their larger efforts to reduce the risk of suicide at JMU by educating the public about the prevalence of suicide and involving students in prevention activities.

The first event, which happened on Sept. 9, was called “This Kid and You Can Make a Difference” and exposed students to three different TED Talk videos around different elements of depression. Students from JMU’s Active Minds chapter were also introduced at the event. Active Minds is a national organization working to empower students to change the perception about mental health on college campuses.

The second event, which happened on Sept. 9, was called “Grief 101: A Journey Towards Healing from Sudden Loss.” Students were invited to hear Nancy Shomo, a Certified Grief Counselor and the coordinator of Bereavement Services at Sentara RMH Behavioral Health.

The Counseling Center has also maintained a steady presence around campus this week. Clinical staff have been stationed around campus with information on reducing the risk of suicide, sharing free promotional items and encouraging students to meet a friendly face, Francis the Therapy Dog. You can catch them today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Commons.

“We want members of the JMU community who are struggling to know that there is hope and there is help,” said Rachel Tysinger, graduate assistant for Suicide Risk Reduction and Outreach. “The JMU Counseling Center is just one of many resources available to them.”

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