The statistic can be daunting: one out of ten college students will seriously contemplate suicide*. But, NC State has a new way to view this statistic: Nine out of ten college students can be the one to make a difference in someone’s life. That was the message behind NC State’s third annual Fresh Check Day event.
Fresh Check Day was created by the Jordan Porco Foundation, a group dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The uplifting event, which took place outside of Talley Student Union on Sept. 25, focused on students “checking in with one another.”
“We do know that college students are at a higher risk for suicide, amongst other mental health issues,” said Katie Redman, the coordinator of Wellness Programs. “Sometimes we talk about suicide, and it can seem a little bit heavy, but this day is meant to be uplifting and fun and engaging.”
Stafford Commons was filled with booths run by the Women’s Center, GLBT Center and Wellness and Recreation, among others. Booth topics ranged from having a positive body image to staying active. Upon entrance, students were given a card that encouraged them to visit booths to receive a stamp. A fully stamped card entered students in a raffle for various prizes but also connected them to the mental health resources on campus.
“I think it’s really beneficial,” said Lauren Schultz, a first-year studying criminology. “People come out, and they don’t really know about the counseling that’s offered.”
The booths at Fresh Check Day connected students with free resources available to anyone looking for help in areas such as time management, stress, nutrition and counseling. Students can receive emotional aid and support through counseling, or they could receive motivation and advising through wellness coaching.
Fresh Check Day encouraged students to “check in” with themselves as well as their peers when it comes to mental health. According to Redman, mental health goes hand-in-hand with physical health.
“You go to a doctor when you’re feeling sick,” Redman said. “You can go talk to someone if you’re not feeling great. It’s the same thing.”
Events like Fresh Check Day help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
“Students are now becoming more and more aware of keeping an inventory of where they are in their mental health,” said Adam Sardinha, marketing and communications specialist of Wellness and Recreation. “We want to make sure our students are healthy, well and on track to graduate. Mental health is a part of that positive lifestyle behavior.”
Students may find more information on programs through the Wellness and Recreation website or by visiting the center next to Carmichael.
If you are thinking about suicide or are in need of emotional support, call 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741. For emergency counseling at NCSU, visit the counseling center or call 919-515-2423.
*Editor’s Note, Sept. 30, 2019: “seriously contemplate suicide” was rephrased for clarity.
