September 2019 Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk
MICHAEL K. YOUNGPresident
September 10, 2019
Dear Aggie community,
Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death — behind car crashes — among college students across our nation. Closer to home: On the Texas A&M University campus, 8-10 percent of our students on average seriously consider taking their lives; one in five of whom will make a plan to do so.
The tragic loss of a student to suicide impacts universities in every state, and our campus is no different. Just since the fall semester began, one of our own students ended her life in her campus residence hall.
It is heart-breaking and leaves even those who never met this student feeling helpless. I want each student on this campus to know that whatever problem you're facing — you are not alone. If you'd rather not discuss things with someone you know, please look into calling on the caring and skilled professionals at Texas A&M's Counseling & Psychological Services.
This organization is sponsoring “Not Another Aggie” — a semester-long campaign that's being kicked off during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We announced last week that at 7 p.m. tonight (Sept. 10), Texas A&M's Suicide Awareness & Prevention Office is hosting a walk in Rudder Plaza. I encourage you to attend to show support for survivors, those struggling with suicidal thoughts or depression, and the families who've lost loved ones to suicide.
Visit Counseling and Psychological Services' counselor information page, or look into resources including:
Talking in person: Counseling & Psychological Services office in the Division of Student Affairs building 0065 at White Creek on West Campus.
A phone call away: The Texas A&M HelpLine is 979-845-2700; the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it's a sign of strength in knowing when something is too much to handle alone. There is no problem that can't be resolved by finding the right people to help and support you.
In the Aggie Spirit,
Michael K. Young
President