Light the Path helps students find mental health support

By Madison Brown |Editor in ChiefAU held a "Light the Path" event to raise awareness for mental illness and suicidal ideations or attempts in college students on Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m.The event was sponsored by Student Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, Dean of Students office and First and Second Year Experiences. Refreshments were available courtesy of the Student Government Association.At 7 p.m., Dr. Elizabeth Huggins, director of the First and Second Year Experiences, began the event by introducing a documentary about suicide awareness called "The Other Side of the Couch" created by psychology students and Psi Chi members Sequoia Sinclair and Kiana Ladson. The documentary consisted of students recounting their experiences with mental illness and suicide.After the documentary, Huggins introduced a panel to answer any questions that students had about the documentary or about any issues related to mental health or suicide prevention. The panel consisted of Dr. Robert Dollinger, director of Student Health Services, Dr. Lacy Till, AU's Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Ms. Ginny Luke, assistant director of student support and advocacy, and Kiana Ladson.The panel informed students on how to help their friends or fellow students locate mental health resources on and off campus. They were also informed on how to submit a care report if they became worried that someone they knew was going to attempt to harm or kill themselves.Students then began to place luminaries to light the path to the Student Counseling & Psychological Services building. At the end of the event, students received a suicide awareness pin and were asked to wear it throughout the rest of the month. Resources:Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255To submit a care report, click here.Student Counseling and Psychological Services: 706-737-1471Georgia Crisis and Access Line: 1-800-715-4225 

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