By Staff Writer Tamendy Raymond.

On Wednesday February 20, 2019, UMassD’s Counselling Center, Director Dave and Kate Perry with Beth Anne Guthrie as the host screened The ‘S’ film movie in the Library Grand Reading Room.

Mental illness is a health condition that causes changes to a person’s thinking, mood and behavior.

Suicide is one of the leading deaths in America.

Approximately, 1.3 million people have attempted and 44,000 people have committed suicide.

The ‘S’ film was written by Lisa Klein, Des’rea, the main character searched around the world for other survivors to interview.

The survivors she interviewed share common characteristics such as feeling alone, scared, questioning one self of being and existence.

Craig Miller, one of a survivor’s, Des’rea interviewed was 8 years old when he first attempted suicide. He was molested and bullied. He found comfort in the darkness.

Most people do not know what these individuals are going through. “Because we do not talk about it, that is why it gets so bad.”

Kelechi, another survivor felt the stigma of guilt and shame.

As a result, of her being raped, the nurse advised her to “not let it happen again.” As if it was her fault, “What I learned from being in the hospital was never to be in the hospital again.”

Veterans are also susceptible to suicide. About 20 veterans commit suicide per year.
After fighting for our country these individuals need the care and attention that society has yet to offer.

Fear makes it harder to talk about. After being released, what could we do as a society to help suppress their discomfort?

In the film one of the counselors conducted a survey and asked a group of college students’, “Would you judge a person if they decided to visit the counseling center?” most students replied and said “No, they would not judge others for visiting the counseling center.”

Now, when he reversed the question and made it personal he asked, “Would you feel judged if “you” visited the counselling center, the majority of the students said “Yes, they would feel like others are judging them for visiting the counseling center.”

People tend to focus on the views others have on them rather than on themselves.
If people were able to maintain the same thought process, just like how you wouldn’t judge others, no one is judging you, that would create a new level of comfort for everyone.

What could you do to support a friend that you may suspect that is depressed or suicidal?

The most important thing you can do is being there for them. As much as they need your support, you need help too.

Listen and be there for them is the most helpful remedy.

Do not blame them for feeling the way they feel. Create a community and do not take too much of the burden.

Friends can make a difference by offering reassurance, companionship and emotional strength. Express your concern and sympathy.

The on campus counselling center is next to the auditorium above the admissions office.

They have walk-ins between 1PM-6PM. Feel free to stop by if you need someone to speak to about anything.

Also, Stress Less will be held in the Library Living Room on Tuesday March 5, it will be a perfect time to stop by to relax and unwind.

Get a mini massage, pet a therapy dog and practice meditation from 1:30 PM- 5:30 PM in the Library Living Room!