Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We’re only into the second week of October and alarmingly enough police officers with UNC Chapel Hill have already responded to 2 suicide calls this month alone.
Both incidents happened over this past weekend, with one student who did take their own life on Saturday and the second student attempted to on Sunday.
In light of this sad news, Kevin Guskiewicz the school’s chancellor decided to cancel all classes today.
Today also happens to be World Mental Health Day as well.
“We are in the middle of a mental health crisis, both on our campus and across our nation, and we are aware that college-aged students carry an increased risk of suicide,” Kevin wrote in a letter.
“This crisis has directly impacted members of our community – especially with the passing of two students on campus in the past month. As chancellor, a professor and a parent, my heart breaks for all those whose suffering goes unnoticed.”
Kevin then said he would like each student to take the time off and “check in with each other during that day.”
“Reach out to a friend, a classmate, or colleague and ask them, “honestly, how are you doing?” he continued.
There is something called Peer2Peer already at UNC Chapel Hill that has been put in place to help students struggling with their mental health, but many feel that it is not enough support.
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“Peer2Peer is a student-led group that advocates for the mental well-being of the members within our community through peer support,” their website reads.
“We offer free one-to-one sessions to talk with a peer responder with the option of remaining anonymous. Our organization is open to any graduate and undergraduate students at UNC.”
Speaking to WRAL, Clare Landis who is part of Peer2Peer, said that there has been a big increase in calls to the organization over the last two weeks on campus.
“We almost have a second pandemic on our hands with mental health and suicide,” Clare explained.
“It’s a really stressful time for students going through midterms and seniors trying to find jobs and freshmen trying to get adjusted. It’s a lot in the fall and it’s a lot for everyone right now.”
WRAL also noted that some UNC Chapel Hill students and parents are going to be organizing a protest tomorrow to have the school better address mental health concerns.
If you are thinking of suicide, or you know someone struggling with this, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255.