“While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength around a difficult topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life.” – NAMI
September has come and gone but you are not alone. Dixie State University is here for you.
In an effort to let our Trailblazers know how much we care, StudentPulse has returned for the fall semester. StudentPulse originally came to campus last semester when we moved to remote learning due to COVID-19. This texting service focuses on mental wellness through weekly wellness checks, accompanied by resources and inspirational messages and memes. If you are a student and didn’t receive a text but would like to opt in, text “Trailblazer” to 435-246-7090.
September 8-12 was our annual Suicide Prevention Week. Through sidewalk chalk art, a tree of hope, performances from Raging Red, suicide prevention training, and more, the DSU Booth Wellness Center brought awareness to those suffering in silence, offered hope to those who are struggling, and encouraged all to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Mental health, emotional, or behavioral issues can interfere with your ability to reach your potential in your work and studies. The Booth Wellness Center offers mental health services for students, staff and faculty. To learn more, visit wellness.utahtech.edu/mental-health-services.
Other useful contacts:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
- Crisis Text Line: Text ‘HOME’ to 741741
- Dean of Students – Del Beatty: 435-652-7514
- Police: 435-627-4300
- SafeUT
This past month, we also learned about two alumnae on a mission for mental health.
Filled with motivation and passionate about making a difference, DSU alum Pania Clark and Emii Taylor helped create a Gratitude Journal to promote mental wellness.
Did you know, “Gratitude is one of the most medicinal emotions we can feel. It elevates our moods and fills us with joy.” – Sara Avant Stover
Both students graduated in 2019 with a degree in information technology with a digital design emphasis. During their time at DSU they established lasting relationships with many individuals, including Donna Provost, founder of gratitudejournalusa.com. Donna came up with the initial idea to help people struggling with suicide and other mental health challenges, and she pitched the idea to Pania and Emii, who were thrilled to play a part in helping others by using their design skills to create the appealing journal.
“I hope this journal finds the people who need it most and helps them fight their mental health battles,” Emii said.
We are proud to highlight the success of these two creative and thoughtful alum. With the creation of the Gratitude Journal, they are not only helping with suicide prevention and mental wellness, but they are also making a difference in the lives of those who use this uplifting tool.
“This may not be a cure all, but if it helps one person in some small way or prevents someone from making a permanent decision, then it is, and will always be, worth it,” Pania said.
The journal can be found here.
Whether you sign up for StudentPulse, schedule an appointment with the Booth Wellness Center, buy a gratitude journal, or just read this blog post, know that DSU is here for you.
“You are the author and your life is the sentence. Don’t let your sentence end;” – Project Semicolon