BYUH Counseling & Disabilities Center and Women’s Services & Resources reaches out to find those struggling with suicide and encourages students to offer support to those around them
In honor of those who have passed due to suicide, BYU–Hawaii’s Counseling & Disabilities Center and Women’s Services & Resources collaborated on a National Suicide Awareness Outreach on Sept. 11. Wrist bands with inspirational quotes, a whiteboard to write advice for encouragement, suicide prevention stickers and handouts were passed out to educate students on suicide prevention. A field of colorful, sparkling pinwheels was also set outside of the Counseling & Disabilities Center.
Kristin Myers, a clinical counselor for the Counseling & Disabilities Center from Texas, shared, “The purpose of the outreach was to bring greater awareness to those who are on campus about the need to reach out and pay attention to those who might be burdened and be able to find ways to offer support.”
Aigalesala Fanene, a freshman from Laie majoring in psychology, shared, “I think there are many students who are afraid to speak about suicidal issues due to the fear of triggering people and having the opposite effect of what their intentions really are.” She said she thinks any effort to raise awareness coming from a place of love and genuine concern is better than doing nothing at all. She concluded, “I love the sparkles and vibrant colors [of the pinwheels] could also represent that we as individuals are also meant to be noticed and seen.”
Jason Ila, a sophomore majoring in social work from Papua New Guinea, shared suicide awareness increases the knowledge of students and reminds them how loved they are. He said although this topic can be sensitive to students, he believes learning more about this issue can help recognize the signs and symptoms of individuals who are struggling and provide necessary support. Ila said, “I invite you to know that there is someone who is always open and will … hear your struggles.” He said people should take the time to recognize all that they have and be grateful for the little things.
Fanene expressed how grateful she is for all the students she ran into that gave her smiles, hugs and did simple acts of service. “There was a guy here who held the door open for me and gave me the biggest smile today, and he has no idea who I am or what I am going through. All these little acts of service and kindness go such a long way,” she said. Fanene gave a shoutout to all of the friends and strangers on campus and in the community who are sharing their love. “I also want to shoutout all those who feel alone, unseen, unheard, unimportant or misunderstood,” she said. “Keep holding on, you're doing amazing and if you need a friend, I am happy to be one.”
Lika Smith, a freshman from Samoa studying hospitality and tourism management, said learning more about suicide prevention and awareness reminded her of how much she needed to hear that she is loved. Although she is going through some tough times, Smith shared she believed it was meant for her to be at the booth because it provided her great motivation and spiritual strength to carry on with the rest of the day. She said, “I love that the Lord is mindful of everything we are going through. In fact, He is willing to help us get over any fear and worries we have in order for us to become the best versions of ourselves.”
Fanene shared how she copes with the effects of social media on mental health. “I feel that social media can be filled with the image of unrealistic lifestyles and expectations and it's easy to fall into the trap of comparison,” she said. She also emphasized how she tries her best to be authentic and not filter herself. She said, “In my efforts to do this, I have noticed that I am able to connect with more people, make more friends, give others the space to be real and raw with me [and] in return, be more relatable and really be there for people who are struggling through similar battles. I try my best to share the message that you are not alone in your struggles.”