The Counseling Center sponsored National Suicide Prevention Week from Sept. 10 to Sept. 16.

Flyers were hung around campus encouraging students to wear purple in solidarity with those who have been affected by suicide. The center also held various events and participated in activities to inform the campus community of methods to help prevent suicide. These events included a short “soundbite” education session in core classes, distribution of wallet sized suicide prevention cards and training for what to do to intervene if someone you know someone who is considering suicide.

Dr. Brielle Stark- Adler, director of the Counseling Center, said in an email interview that suicide prevention efforts are essential everywhere.

“Whether students experience suicidal ideation, or thoughts of ending one’s life, themselves or they notice it in others, they often feel both frightened and unsure of what to do next,” Stark-Adler said. “The Counseling Center’s efforts are intended to help students feel empowered to take action to protect themselves and their friends when suicidal thoughts arise.”

Stall signs were placed throughout residence halls prompting students to reach out and ask for help if they were struggling with suicidal thoughts.

“Our goals are to teach Iona students how to disclose and report suicidal thinking to those who can help immediately, and to manage the emotions that go along with doing that,” Stark-Adler said.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading killer in America, taking the lives of 44,193 Americans annually.

Sophomore Nathan Lowry, an executive board member of the Psychology Club, has been making an effort to promote and spread mental health awareness. The Psychology Club conducted its own prevent event, “100 Reasons to Stay,” and helped with other events throughout the week.

“The goal of this event was to promote suicide awareness and prevention throughout the campus,” Lowry said. “The Psychology Club’s 100 Reasons event involved having Iona students and staff write down a reason they enjoy life on a piece of paper.”

The Psychology Club took a photo of each individual who participated in the event.

“During Suicide Prevention Week, the club partnered with the Iona Counseling Center and asked Iona students and staff to write down something they’re happy to be alive for,” Lowry said. “We’re currently in the process of making a slideshow of everyone to share with the campus!”

The club hopes to have the slide show posted online by the end of this week.

A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that 41.6 percent of college students suffer from anxiety and 36.4 percent feel depressed.

Anyone with concerns about themselves or other is encouraged reach out to the Counseling Center, (914) 633-2038, Spellman Hall, 2nd Floor, or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, suicidepreventionlifeline.org.