Balloon release wraps up Suicide Prevention Week

To wrap up Suicide Prevention Week, Counseling and Disability Services at Southeast held a balloon release on Friday on the steps of Academic Hall.

Photo by Elizabeth Munier

National Suicide Prevention Week started on Sept. 10 and throughout the week Counseling and Disability Services held activities for suicide prevention. There was stress management kit building, depression screenings, the Missouri Opioid Summit and then the balloon release to wrap up.

Students and faculty gathered on the steps in remembrance and support to release yellow and dove-shaped balloons.

“Doves are a symbol sometimes as a messenger. For someone who’s lost someone to suicide can be a powerful event to allow them to come memorialize, respect that individual and also continue their story,” director of Counseling and Disability Services Tori Grogan said.

Before the balloons were released, Grogan thanked everyone for coming and then there was a moment of silence to remember those who have been lost to suicide.

“[Students in need] can come meet people for networking and support,” Mary Ann Farmer, a counselor at Southeast, said.

Grogan said their goal was to recognize, memorialize, and to break the stigma surrounding mental health and support those who may be struggling.

Photo by Elizabeth Munier

Instead of limiting the events to one week, Grogan said several events were planned throughout the month. They had training at the beginning of the month, the actual week with activities and then on 24 there will be the seventh annual “Out of the Darkness” community walk in Cape Girardeau County Park North.

“The event is free of charge but people can donate and all funds go to AFSP,” Grogan said. Registration and check-in will be from 10 a.m. to noon for the community walk. Those wishing to participate can register online at www.afsp.org/capegirardeau or before the walk begins in the park. There will be memorial activities, door prizes, food and drinks, speakers and booths with information.

“We encourage students to come and support other students,” Farmer said.

There will also be a balloon release to wrap up the walk. Beads will be given out with different colors to represent someone participants know or who they have lost to suicide.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. The hotline is available 24/7 or you can go online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Counselors are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or you can call at (573) 986-6191.