Feb 10
Mental Health Movements: Suicide on Campus
Having a suicide on campus changes the whole atmosphere. The sense that “nothing could happen here” is shattered and reality swoops in all too quickly to remind us that no campus is exempt. After I had some upsetting experiences with suicide at my own school (University of Mount Union) and at my summer internship, I was motivated more than ever to be that student voice to educate others on this issue.
As it happened, two guest speakers had been scheduled to visit Mount Union’s campus the day after the suicide. The first, Amy Bleuel, talked about the organization she had founded Project Semicolon. One part of Project Semicolon is a platform where people can share encouraging stories to help each other find hope. Amy proudly showed the tattoo of a semicolon on her wrist. In her words, she could have ended her life, but choose to carry on. This stuck with me and made me wonder if there were more platforms like this.
The second speaker, Wesley Chapman, had the audience in tears with his harrowing story of abuse. Despite his suffering, he made it his mission in life to carry on and started an organization called A Human Project. Similar to Project Semicolon, A Human Project gives students a safe and secure platform to share their stories and receive encouragement. Bleuel and Chapman stressed that it may seem daunting to talk to someone in person about suicide but there are other ways to receive help.
More information on Bleuel’s and Chapman’s projects as well as To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), an organization by Jamie Tworkowski can be found below:
TWLOHA
To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) was founded by Jamie Tworkowski in 2011 after helping his friend Renee Yohee, who was struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and suicidal thoughts. TWLOHA is dedicated to finding help for people struggling with conditions like Yohee’s. Encouragement, information, inspiration and financial support for treatment and recovery programs are provided to show that these problems don’t have to mean the end of a person’s story.
Students who need immediate assistance have direct access to mental health counselors through a new partnership with the Crisis Text Line. If a student texts TWLOHA to 741-741, an algorithm will sort through the words within the text and connect them promptly with a trained crisis counselor. If the student texts their location, help will be sent directly to them. Help can also be found through the website: http://twloha.com. TWLOHA works to challenge stigma and stereotypes around the world by providing education through social media, by touring around the country, and by blogging about important issues such as bullying, depression and eating disorders.
Project Semicolon
Founded by Amy Bleuel in 2013 in remembrance of her father, Project Semicolon is a non-profit faith-based movement. It provides a place for people to share stories of hope and inspiration to help those who are struggling. The use of a semicolon is to show others that this is not the end but the start of a new beginning. Project Semicolon is not a 24-hour hotline or a place to seek a mental health counselor. Rather, its mission is to “start a conversation about mental health that is unstoppable and to envision a world of love to declare that our stories are not over yet.” To learn more about Project Semicolon and the testimony of its founder, visit:
http://www.projectsemicolon.org
A Human Project
A Human Project was co-founded in April of 2014 by Wesley Chapman. It is a non-profit organization that seeks to create an international movement providing youth with the tools and resources needed to create long-lasting, positive habits to help break the cycle of hopelessness. Chapman knows what it feels like to struggle with suicidal thoughts. He suffered horrible abuse as a child and tried to commit suicide 12 times starting at the age of 12. After being on the brink of death, he chose to stop being the victim and take control of his life. At the age of 8, he started his own company and became a multi-millionaire before age 30. Feelings of emptiness caused him to sell his company and start over. Now he uses his wealth and stories to empower others on how they can change their lives. No matter where a student is, he will travel all over the United States to bring hope to them.
Some resources he provides includes a safe channel for students to talk about issues for any reason and a blog that not only tells his story, but the stories of others that will inspire and encourage. He also provides an opportunity for the community to get involved through a project called “Human Pods.” In order to be a pod leader, strict screening is involved to make sure the child is protected and is matched with the best possible mentor to help the child grow through a 12-point step-by-step coaching program. Chapman also has a podcast with a long time supporter and advisor to A Human Project, Ryan Andrews to start a conversation on difficult issues that affect students today. According to Chapman, “We believe that every child is created for a purpose and that each child deserves to experience ultimate joy.” To learn more about A Human Project visit: https://www.ahumanproject.com.
As that day came to an end with many still seeking ways to cope, both Chapman and Bleuel stressed that they were willing to stay on campus, no matter how long it took to provide the support needed by anyone who just needed someone to be there for them. I was touched by their unwavering support and the message that reverberated throughout the chapel: you are never alone; your life matters; someone will listen.
–Dana Goehring is a senior at the University of Mount Union and an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Northeast Ohio Medical University.
Read additional pieces in the series:
- A Student’s Perspective
- New Funding, New Awareness
- LoveIt
- Being a Friend in Crisis
- Signs of a Distressed Student
