Personal Responsibility Tour Tackles Depression Awareness/Suicide Prevention

Did you know that, according to the American Psychological Association, almost 50 percent of all college students have trouble functioning at times as a result of depression? Even more astounding, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students.

In response to this increasingly important issue, the Depression Awareness/Suicide Prevention Committee was established to create programming for the next stop on the Personal Responsibility Tour.

During the week of Oct. 22, presentations and screenings will be provided to raise awareness about stress, anxiety, depression and suicide. Once again, the goal of the "Tour" is to encourage personal responsibility for your physical, psychological, financial, interpersonal (friendships) and academic health, as it may have a profound impact on your future.

For Depression Awareness/Suicide Prevention Week, the theme is "Stressed." Events, programs and promotion will educate participants about the signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and highlight the helpful resources that are available"¦for you or a friend in need:

Depression Awareness/Suicide Prevention Week

90 percent of the visits to the Penn College Health Services Office may be due to stress, anxiety or depression.

Did You Know?
Of the 6,219 visits to the Penn College Health Services office in 2006-07, 32 percent were for stress-related complaints, 24 percent for sleep problems, 18 percent for gastrointestinal problems, and 16 percent for depression/anxiety complaints. Some physical manifestations of stress are sleep or gastrointestinal problems.

Find Out More on the Personal Responsibility Tour
This week provides many interesting and educational events that provide information about the signs and symptoms of depression, resources for those in need, and strategies for preventing suicide. If you are in need of information or help "¦ or know someone in need of help, we encourage you to attend these events. Take personal responsibility for improving your health "¦ and the health of your friends and family.

Monday, Oct. 22
Awareness Week Kickoff
Penn College students, faculty and staff will wear Personal Responsibility Tour T-shirts featuring the theme, "Stressed," with a message to encourage taking a depression screening at Student Health Services or Counseling Services.

Tuesday, Oct. 23
"The Truth About Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College"
7:30 p.m., SASC Presentation Room
This short film presents a recognizable picture of depression and other problems associated with suicide, as commonly experienced by college students and other young adults.

Panel Discussion
Following the film, gather valuable information from our panelists representing various community resources available to students and/or their friends-in-need.

Meet the Panelists Reception
Immediately following the discussion, SASC Lobby
Enjoy refreshments as you take the opportunity to talk to our panelists.

Wednesday, Oct. 24
Depression Screenings
9 a.m.-noon, ATHS Lobby; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., LEC Lobby (outside Susquehanna Room)
Gather information on anxiety, depression and suicide and find out where you or your friends can go for help. Counselors will be available to answer questions and set up one-on-one counseling appointments, if needed or requested.

Thursday, Oct. 25
"Helping Students in Distress: What Faculty and Staff Need to Know"
3:30-4:30 p.m., CC TV Lounge (students are welcome)
Concerned about a student's behavior? Have you had a student disclose something that worried you? Not sure what resources are available or what to do about it? Join staff from Counseling, Health Services, the College Police and others to discuss the gray areas that often emerge when working closely with students.

Friday, Oct. 26
Chris Moon: Haunted Times
9 p.m., ACC Auditorium
Chris Moon combines the paranormal with science and technology. Armed with a 35mm camera, a tape recorder and a love for the paranormal, Chris has toured haunted locations all across America.