Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day

#HopeLivesHere is a suicide awareness and prevention initiative coordinated by Fairfield University Counseling & Psychological Services, Student Health Center, Campus Ministry, and FUSA. On March 25th, the University community will highlight the value of every life and dedicate themselves to saving lives. At Fairfield University, students are encouraged to help one another and, importantly, utilize the professional mental health services on campus at Counseling & Psychological Services.

Students, faculty and staff will wear #HopeLivesHere wristbands to remind the community that we’re here for each other when someone is struggling with depressive or suicidal thoughts. A socially-distanced, outdoor candlelight vigil will be held at 7pm near the Stag Statue to commemorate and honor those we have lost to suicide. The #HopeLivesHere initiative is funded by the Julia Ryder Sill Fund. Julia ’13 took her life on campus during her sophomore year.

We would like to invite attendees to recognize someone during the event with a tribute.  To do this, please email mcalle@fairfield.edu providing the name of the person who passed away by Monday, March 22^nd so that we can read the tribute at the event. 
*In the case of rain, the event will be held at the chapel*

Not everyone who thinks about suicide will tell someone, and there are some people who give no indication at all of their intention. However, there are warning signs that we can all look out for. These include, if a person is:

• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Visiting or calling people unexpectedly to say goodbye, either directly or indirectly.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions

If you are feeling hopeless, helpless or thinking of suicide, get help. If you are concerned about a friend, care enough to get that student help. Tell them you’re there for them. Hopelessness is the single greatest predictor of death by suicide, and being there for someone can instill hope. Both Counseling & Psychological Services and Campus Ministry are confidential and no charge to students. #HopeLivesHere.