Break The Silence
Written By Everett Mckee
Photo Courtesy of Alliance for suicide prevention
A friend in need will get a friend indeed. What these three students all have in common is the unwavering devotion to helping others. Life is never the easiest thing for any one individual to handle alone and that is why three students began working as Student Health and Wellness Program staff, which inspires them in gaining a deeper insight into life, identifying, and helping those who need support dealing with life’s daily struggle.
The Student Health and Wellness programs here at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo is known for it’s mission “to embrace a holistic and collaborative approach to medical, counseling, and prevention services by offering excellent, accessible, and affordable care with respect and compassion to the university community”. Through this same ideology the initiative for suicide prevention was created. Although the journey of this program began only 3 short years ago, there are already great results which can be seen in these stalwart Student Peer Educators.
Felicia Andrew, one of the Peer Educators in the UH Hilo Nā Kia’i O Ke Ola (Guardians of life) Suicide Prevention Program said, “I am a nursing major and I was looking for a job. I was really interested in this health and wellness program so luckily when I applied I was accepted and assigned with the suicide prevention program”.
There are numerous opportunities for students to get involved and be trained without having to take up a job position such as these three Peer Educators. Two programs in particular that seemed to have made a huge impact were, Safe Talk which trained individuals to identify a person with suicidal thoughts and properly connect a person with thoughts of suicide to first aid and intervention caregivers. And QPR(Question.Persuade.Refer) Suicide Prevention which are three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. These programs both teach knowledge and skills, and prepare individuals in certified suicide prevention methods.
Rose Hart, an avid learner in the Health and Wellness field at UH Hilo, expressed “A lot of the trainings are offered to the entire university community. So if there is somebody thats super passionate for encouraging a healthy college experience, they can totally apply for Question Persuade Refer commonly known as QPR, or SafeTALK”. Hart also stated that the Health and Wellness programs “organize a bunch of different events. If people are really interested they can volunteer. And even bring your friends to events to volunteer!”
UH Hilo Peer Educators, (from left to right) Rose Hart, Jackie Yuw, and Felicia Andrew. Photo courtesy of reporter, Everett Mckee.
As the group discussed more about how their experiences as Peer Educators had affected them in their own personal lives, Jackie Yuw stated that “After going through all the different trainings, the knowledge and facts stuck with me. I went through TIPS which also educated me on how to be a trainer myself. I learned so much that now when I'm out with friends I will always lecture them on facts and statistics of choices, such as alcohol consumption”. When asked how they apply their knowledge, she stated “It definitely becomes habit after a certain point. But its much more importantly my choice that I continue to apply my knowledge in my own life. I want to be able to help people”.
Although suicide has been a very taboo subject, Hart emphasizes that “breaking the silence can have a huge impact because conversation helps to bring aid and support where it is needed.” In fact, according to American Psychological Association talking is one of the most efficient stress relievers there is.
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Talk therapy is not just “talking about your problems”; it is also about working toward solutions. This is an important fact to understand that a little conversation goes a long way. Knowing someone is there during your best and worst times can be a great feeling or can help you stay motivated. That little piece of encouragement can really help a situation for an individual.
Jackie Yuw, a junior with a passion who is also studying in the field of health and wellness states, “Talking brings out good stuff. I find myself sitting in class talking to random people just to spark conversation. As a peer and as a friend you have to take the initiative to start that conversation with others. Everyone should learn to be the person that starts a conversation. Its definitely hard for someone dealing with something internally to discuss it. But it is a lot easier to be the understanding friend who makes initial contact,” said Yuw.
Taking the initiative to help someone is everyone’s kuleana or responsibility. If you know someone who may need support, don't just be a bystander. Reach out and be their lifeline. For more information on how to aid individuals who may be at risk for suicide, email the Nā Kia’i O Ke Ola suicide prevention program at forlife@hawaii.edu or go to the National Suicide Prevention website at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Also, the number to contact the suicide prevention lifeline is 1(800) 273-8255. For on campus help, you can contact Counseling Services at 808-932-7465.
For stories and other articles on suicide prevention and education visit these websites.
