September 10 is World Suicide Prevention day. Raising awareness that is suicide is escapable, as the years have passed there has been more resources for everyone, including students in college. 

While the US news talks about there being a decline in suicides, from 15 deaths per 100,000 to now 9 deaths per 100,000,  suicide is still the second leading cause of deaths in college students in the US. 

September is suicide prevention and awareness month, as hard as it can be to talk about your struggles, you matter, and harming yourself is not the answer.

Even though there is a deliberate focus on suicide in September, do not hesitate to ask for help any day throughout the year. If you’re in a crisis, reach out to anyone you can, whether it be a complete stranger or someone you have known for a long time.  

The Butte College website offers all kinds of resources that could be of help for students struggling with mental health or coping with a friend or loved one in crisis. Butte College instructors and staff can also be a resource.

If you’re in a crisis and aren’t comfortable talking directly to someone, Butte College also offers a crisis text line (English and Spanish currently available).

Don’t want to be connected to the college? Just call or text 988 — 24 hours a day. Spanish and English currently available.  

It may be triggering to talk about but your wellbeing matters. Your feelings matter.  You matter.