Mountains at sunset with yellow pink and purple colors

Who: NDSU Libraries and Prairie St. John's

When: September 7-10, 2021

Where: Main Library, 1201 Albrecht Blvd., Fargo, ND

August 18, 2021

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. There is no single cause to suicide – several factors can increase a person’s risk for attempting or dying by suicide. Mental health awareness is vital as it affects how we cope with stress and overcome challenges. Given the unprecedented times we are experiencing, taking care of our mental health to better our daily lives is important as ever.

The Libraries will be hosting a week-long awareness event sponsored by Prairie St. John's during National Suicide Prevention Week. A booth will be set up September 7-10, 2021 at the Main Library where students and other community members are encouraged to stop by for take-home resources and information such as ways to ground yourself when you are feeling stressed or anxious, relevant library materials, tips when caring for your mental health, and snacks and other goodies to help enrich your day. We hope this event helps bring awareness to suicide, while reminding students that a positive state of mind starts with being good to yourself.

Quick reminders on caring for your mental health:

  • Take care of your body with sleep, exercise, a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness
  • Avoid excessive exposure to the news
  • Maintain hope and a sense of positive thinking
  • Connect with others
  • Avoid negative thinking and mitigate stress
  • Seek professional care if needed

Here are some apps that can be useful tools: 

  • Calm – Meditate, Sleep, Relax
  • Daylio – Diary, Journal, Mood Tracker
  • Sanvello: Anxiety and Depression
  • MindShift CBT – Anxiety and Panic Relief
  • Better Stop Suicide
  • Suicide Safety Plan

You can take a mental health test to determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. 
Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health and do not replace a professional assessment. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, please contact a healthcare provider.

    We can help prevent suicide by learning to help ourselves, help others, seek consultation from trained providers, and seek hospital care when necessary. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, always call 911 in the case of a medical emergency. In times of crisis, call Prairie St. John’s at 701-476-7200; call FirstLink locally at 211 or text 898-211; or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. They're available 24/7, free, and confidential.

    There are many places on campus you can find mental health support. Call the NDSU Counseling Center at 701-231-7671 when seeking help; visit NDSU Libraries for a safe and inclusive space to gather, study, and access information; utilize NDSU Student Health Service for quality healthcare and well-being support; and get active at the NDSU Wellness Center as a healthy lifestyle can help prevent mental health problems.