By SHEALYN PRATT
CONTENT WARNING: The following article discusses suicide and may contain distressing content. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Call, text, or chat 9-8-8 anywhere within the United States to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
As we continue this transition period at the university, it is important to recognize concerning behaviors within ourselves. Many of us are away from home for the first time, facing academic stress and more. The anxiety and stress that come with being a college student can feel overwhelming.
A recent national survey found that 10.3% of college students reported that they seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, with college-age men being four to six times more likely to carry out their plans.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. This is a time to share resources, raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month was first officially declared in September 2008.
We continue to recognize September as a time to raise awareness for mental health. Yet, conversations regarding mental health and suicide are still too often met with silence or shame.
In the United States alone, 13.9 million adults had serious thoughts of suicide during 2025. This is separate from the 4.9 million adults who made a suicide plan and the 2.3 million who attempted suicide that year.
So, how can you help someone who may be suicidal? Simply be there. Smile as you scoot past someone waiting in line at the Student Center. If you find yourself walking near someone in the halls of Jesse Dunn, ask them how they are doing. Keep the surprise to yourself, if someone answers with more than an “I’m fine,” when you ask them how they are.
It is so easy to forget to be truly present when you’re trying to remember to do assignments, keep up with practice and meeting schedules, feed yourself, rest, maintain a social life, take care of your body, talk to your mom, work and study. Despite it being easy, September is the perfect time to be vigilant about your presence.
If you or someone you know is having a hard time mentally, there is help available on campus or online. If a nonemergency immediate response is required and you are on campus, contact NWOSU campus police at (580)216-7347 or contact Leah Brady, MSW, LCSW, director of Counseling Services. You can schedule a counseling appointment, free of charge for all current students, on Northwestern’s official website.
TimelyCare is another way that Northwestern students can find help. TimelyCare is a virtual health and well-being platform for students. It is accessible through the app or online and is also free of charge for current students. TimelyCare provides 24/7 services, whether it be for mental or physical health concerns. TimelyCare gives you the ability to choose from a variety of medical professionals and offers the option to text, call or zoom with your provider based on what is most comfortable for you.
Help is always available. Don’t be scared to reach out to someone that is trained to help.
