| Photo by Kelly Richard |
| By Noah Speights The Poke Press McNeese State University spent September promoting National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and available campus mental health resources reminding students that help is always available. The university participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk, an annual fundraising and mental health awareness event held at the Lake Charles Civic Center. The university also provided students with positive reinforcement cards. Jacqueline Clark, director of First Year Experience, said many students picked up cards to keep with them, some even laminating them. “We had many students come and get cards,” Clark said. “It helps students to bring them around and always see these positive messages wherever they go.” While September focused on suicide prevention, McNeese officials said students should seek help whenever they are struggling with any issues, rather than waiting until their situation becomes overwhelming. “Don’t go to counseling in despair, go before,” Clark said. Tynia Coleman, Director of Counseling, said anxiety and stress are among the most common issues students face. Students also seek help with academic, financial and social concerns. “We are quite busy,” Coleman said. The Counseling Center has three counselors, who at times see six to seven students a day for hourlong appointments. Despite this workload, Coleman said the center continues to accept new patients. Students do not need to be experiencing a severe mental health crisis to make an appointment. Coleman said students should consider counseling whenever they are struggling. “If a person has thought ‘Maybe I should go to counseling,’ then maybe they should,” Coleman said. College can create new challenges for students who are adjusting to increased freedom and responsibilities. Clark said stress is the main driver of decline in students’ mental health, with stress coming from areas such as academics, finances, work and time management. “Stress bleeds into all aspects of a student’s life,” Clark said. Students have access to several resources across campus. First Year Experience can provide students with someone to talk to, while the Counseling Center provides professional counseling services. Students can also use the C.A.R.E. Mentorship Program and opt in for academic tutoring. Other university resources can help address some of the issues that contribute to student stress. The Poke Pantry is available to help students dealing with food insecurity, and the Cowboy Closet is available for students lacking professional attire. McNeese’s student resources page provides more information about these and other services available to students. For students who hesitate to seek counseling because of stigma, Coleman said asking for help should not be viewed negatively. “There is nothing wrong with you for going to counseling, there is no shame in it,” Coleman said. Clark encouraged students to reach out when they need support. “It is okay to come to us for help,” Clark said. “Everyone here wants to help you and we are trained to do so.” McNeese will continue its mental health and substance abuse awareness efforts in October. Coleman encouraged students to attend the Live Long Opioid Awareness event from Oct. 12-14, which will include tabling, games, talks and speakers. A five-week opioid awareness program will follow the event. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. |
