Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students? Across the nation, more than 1,000 people—people whose lives are just beginning—end them while attending college.

It doesn’t have to be that way, according to Suzanne Johnson, senior counselor at Buffalo State's Counseling Center. “What we want students to remember,” said Johnson, “is that the Counseling Center is here for them.” In addition to individual counseling, many other services, such as workshops, training, and groups are offered to students throughout the semester.

Johnson is coordinating campus events to be held in connection with National Suicide Prevention Week, September 4-10.

On Thursday, September 8, keynote speaker Eric Weaver (pictured at left) will address the campus community in Bulger Communication Center West 2 at 12:30 p.m. Weaver, a retired sergeant with the Rochester Police Department (RPD), is a dynamic speaker who has both professional and personal experience in mental health issues and suicide prevention. He served as mental health coordinator for the RPD, where he created and developed a specialized unit that responds to calls for individuals who are suicidal and mentally ill. He also was hospitalized himself for bouts of depression and suicidal thinking.

Weaver, who is now chair of the board of directors for the Western New York chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will discuss depression, suicide, and mental health. His presentation will include risk factors, warning signs, and how to get help for yourself or a friend. The Counseling Center encourages everyone, especially students, to attend.

On Wednesday, September 7, the Counseling Center will set up outreach tables in Campbell Student Union to share information on suicide prevention, On September 8, counseling center staff will present Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training in Weigel Health Center 203. Training is open to students, staff and faculty; to register, please contact the Counseling Center at (716) 878-4436.

On Saturday, September 17, the Counseling Center is participating in a special event to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention, and to offer surviving friends and relatives of suicide victims a chance to remember their loved ones. The walk will take place in Delaware Park near the Buffalo Zoo at 10:30 a.m. “These ‘Out of the Darkness’ walks have taken place in several cities around the country,” said Johnson. “Many people find comfort and meaning by participating, and it helps to break the silence about suicide. It also raises money to support research and education regarding the prevention of suicide and to support the survivors of suicide.”   

Stigma about suicide, mental illness, and counseling still exists, according to Johnson. “It’s better than it used to be,” she said, “but students still hesitate to come to the Counseling Center. I want to remind them that our services are free and confidential; your student fees are paying for it.” Furthermore, Johnson said, “You don’t have to have a significant issue to come and talk to someone. Some students come in because they’re feeling stressed out or homesick. No matter what’s going on, no one has to struggle in silence, alone.”