City College educating students, staff about suicide prevention

Activities planned to help students engage in dialogue and learn about this 100 percent preventable problem

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Jonny Rico

Peer educators will table through Thursday, Sept. 13 for National Suicide Prevention Week. By Jonny Rico.

Carla Zuniga, Staff Writer

It is National Suicide Prevention Week and San Diego City College Mental Health Counseling department is hosting multiple events on campus for both students and faculty.

Peer educators will table from Tuesday, Sept. 11 to Thursday, Sept. 13 while providing staff and students with resources and support services. Participants will engage in dialogue and learn how to help others to solve problems that are 100 percent preventable.

Other activities include making a stress ball, taking a mood screening and distress with meditation. There are also online training modules available at no cost to all California community faculty, staff and students.

Students are encouraged to share messages of hope and inspiration at Suicide Prevention Week events. By Jonny Rico.

The online trainings are designed to educate faculty and students about the best ways to support a wide range of students who struggle with psychological distress, including depression and suicidal ideation. Each training takes 30-60 minutes to complete. The simulations are structured as a virtual practice environment where users role-play conversations with emotionally responsive student avatars.

Later this month, the Student Health Center’s Mental Health Counseling program will host a suicide prevention fair on Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Curran Plaza.

More information can be found at the Mental Health Counseling Center in BT-105.

Suicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night, text COURAGE to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or chat online.