Suicide Prevention Week Promotes Self-Care and Community Support

Campus community rallies for mental health awareness

Belmont's Suicide Prevention Week, held Sept. 9-13, fostered important conversations about mental health and self-care on campus. The week-long initiative aimed to raise awareness, build resilience and create a more compassionate environment for students, faculty and staff. 

Oregon-based speaker, author and psychologist Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee set the tone for the week during her chapel address on Monday. Using her own experience with suicide as the driving force behind her talk, she emphasized the importance of self-care as a foundation for supporting others. 

"We need to address the fact that in order to care for other people, we first must stop and care for ourselves," she said. "We can't love ourselves simply by loving others. We actually can only love others out of an abundance of love for ourselves that can then flow out to others. It all starts from within." 

This message resonated throughout the week's diverse programming, which included documentary screenings, mindfulness sessions and community walks — all of which promoted the idea that students need to slow down, come together and take care of themselves.  

"Suicide Prevention Week has become a crucial part of our campus calendar," said University Minister Heather Daugherty. "It provides a dedicated time for our community to come together, learn and support one another in these very real challenges." 

The week's schedule offered a range of activities designed to support mental well-being. Students participated in a "Faces of Hope" portrait session, sharing messages of encouragement with their peers. A labyrinth on campus provided a space for walking meditation, while a grounding rest session offered a unique relaxation experience. 

"College can be a challenging time for students," said Katherine Cornelius, director of Counseling Services. "Events like Suicide Prevention Week help normalize conversations about mental health and remind students that support is always available." 

The programming received positive feedback from the Belmont community. One student shared, "I'm glad that we're talking about this stuff. It's nice to know that we're not alone." 

Looking ahead, Belmont will continue its commitment to mental health awareness by participating in the Out of Darkness Walk on Nov. 2. This event will provide another opportunity for the community to come together, remember those impacted by suicide and move towards a hope-filled future. 

The success of Suicide Prevention Week at Belmont underscores the University's dedication to fostering a supportive and understanding campus environment. By promoting self-care and open dialogue, Belmont is taking important steps to address mental health challenges and build a stronger, more resilient community.