After losing a member over the summer due to suicide, Delta Tau Delta is partnering with the University Counseling Center to sponsor an awareness program on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

The program will be facilitated by Tom Caffery, Assistant Director of the UCC, and Paige Moody, past executive secretary for the Louisiana Counseling Association. Both speakers have expertise with anxiety and depression.

Based on the suicide.org website, suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged fifteen to twenty-four. More people actually die by suicide than homicide.

Since college can be a difficult transition period when students may feel lost, lonely, confused, anxious and stressed, untreated depression is the number one cause in college students.

People die from suicide because they are experiencing intense pain that they wish would stop, but suicide survivors feel pain even after attempts. 

Students who are suicidal are typically quiet, reserved, depressed and socially isolated. Some symptoms are obvious such as alcohol and drug abuse, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, guilt or rage. These warnings should be watched for; however, some people who die may not show any signs. Statistics reveal that about 75 percent of suicidal deaths could have been prevented if the warnings had been spotted. 

According to Caffery, topics of discussion will be based on suicidal ideation, attempts and completion among college students. Causes and contributing factors including stress, anxiety and depression will also be a part of the program. The primary focus will be on prevention and intervention.

“We want to raise awareness, not only of the signs and symptoms, but we also want others to understand what they can do to help someone who is contemplating suicide,” said Caffery.

The UCC has been waiting to raise awareness about suicide for several years. Throughout the semester the UCC talks to Greek, student organizations, University Housing and SE 101 classes. Even though this is a part of their outreach program, UCC would like to give credit to Delta Tau Delta for having the idea to sponsor the event.

“They recognize the prevelance of suicidal ideation among college students and wanted to do something about it,” said Caffery.