September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a time to talk openly about mental health, learn the warning signs, and remind each other that support is always available. The Wellness Resource Center wants every Owl to know that you don't have to navigate hard moments alone, and neither does anyone you care about. With help, comes hope.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free, confidential resource for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress.
Wellness Tip: Check In, Even When It’s Uncomfortable
Sometimes the hardest part of supporting someone is simply starting a conversation. It’s normal to worry about saying the wrong thing, but staying silent can leave someone feeling more alone.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, learning the warning signs and having the confidence to ask directly can make a real difference in supporting someone who may be struggling. Here are a few ways to check in this month:
Notice any changes. If someone seems withdrawn, more irritable, or just not like themselves, trust that instinct enough to ask about it.
Ask directly. You don’t need the perfect words. Something like “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself, how are you really doing?” can lead to an open conversation.
Listen without rushing to fix it. Sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is let someone share without judgement. It may be the first time someone feels comfortable sharing about their mental health – take what they say seriously and offer support.
Know you don’t have to do it alone. Support exists in many forms on campus. Offering a resource, number to a crisis lifeline, or referral to a campus department is a meaningful form of support.
Check in on yourself too. Supporting others can take a lot of energy out of yourself. Make space to care for your own well-being along the way.
To learn more about SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month resources, visit their digital toolkit. The toolkit offers tips on how to talk about mental health and support someone who may be struggling.
Join Us This Month:
Shed Some Light | Tuesday, September 8 | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Founder’s Garden
Join the WRC and the Resiliency Resource Center (RRC) as we honor Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We welcome Peer Educators to help us connect with students and share information on WRC services, ways to support a friend who may be experiencing a mental health concern & how to openly talk about mental health.
Speed Friends | Wednesday, September 9 | 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Student Center 201, Wellness Resource Center
Making friends can be hard! Join us for games and a discussion about building community and finding belonging. We will discuss the impact of community on mental health, and practical strategies to navigate new connections such as the art of small talk.
Finding Mental Health Support | Tuesday, September 15 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Student Center Lower Level, Essential Needs Hub
Have you been feeling uncertain about what first steps you should take to connect with a mental health professional? Not sure what to say during your first meeting or how to express your goals?
Join the team from the Resiliency Resource Center and the Wellness Resource Center as we discuss ways to connect with a mental health professional. You will briefly learn about different therapy approaches and how to advocate for yourself and communicate your needs.
Please note, this workshop is designed to be educational in nature. Our team will happily connect you with mental health professionals for ongoing support and exploration.
For a full list of the WRC’s upcoming events, visit wellness.temple.edu/events.
Looking Ahead:
Wellness Week is right around the corner, kicking off Monday, September 28th! Join us for a week full of programs to support your well-being midway through the semester.
Be Well TU! <3
