Last week at Baruch we had a whole week dedicated to suicide and depression prevention and awareness. On Thursday I attended a seminar with a panel of professionals involving this particular topic. We had a school counselor that works on campus at Baruch, a counselor and therapist that works outside of the school campus, the head member of the psychology department, and a Marine Veteran who has had direct involvement with the depression that members of our military often times suffer.
Key topics discussed were trying to keep self-depreciating culture out of our jargon in today’s time. We often times slip self-depreciating words on ourselves when talking with others. Though ending speech patterns like this are hard, it’s key to always be mindful when people speak this way due to the fact that it might be more meaningful than on the surface.
The other main thing we talked about was the need to be conscious of your friends and loved ones. Be constantly aware of changes of mood and demeanor. Always ask and checkup on the ones around you. Anyone can help anyone, it just takes a bit of care.
Lastly, what I’d tell other people about this experience that I didn’t know is that Baruch has a free confidential counseling center. Anyone, at any time could grab an appointment to talk with a counselor about not only depression but anxiety, social pressures, or help at home. It’s a resource open to anyone and I advise people to take advantage of it.
