Dear Students:

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month. This is a time of year that we come together to raise awareness, remember those affected by suicide, and unite as a community to focus efforts on directing services to those who need it most.

There has not been a year in recent history that has been quite as challenging for us as 2020 has been. This year, in particular, we must mark National Suicide Prevention Month by coming together to support each other during these trying times. Suicide is the cause of death of tens of thousands of individuals across the US yearly. This represents only a small fraction of the number of individuals who attempt suicide and who experience suicidal thoughts each year. Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death for youth in the US, including in our own community here in Texas. However, suicide can be preventable.

If you, or someone you know, is going through a hard time, experiencing a mental health crisis, or is expressing thoughts of harming oneself, please reach out. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line are available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and 741741 (Text HOME), respectively. The I-M-UT Crisis Hotline, our own UT crisis resource, is also available 24/7 at 713-500-IMUT (4688). And UTHealth Student Counseling Services is available for in-person and telehealth therapy sessions Mondays through Fridays, from 8 AM to 5 PM by calling 713-500-5171 to schedule an appointment. Additional resources and information about suicide prevention can be found via a video on the UTHealth Panopto website (UTHealth Student Counseling Services Wellness Presentations) along with other helpful psychoeducational resource videos.

Stay safe and well.

The Student Counseling Services Team