Lee College believes student success means more than succeeding in the classroom. We support our students' overall well-being, including their mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is one of the leading causes of death for college students. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Lee College wants to increase awareness of the issue and promote resources for support. During September we will host several events on campus, including training and guest speakers, as well as campus displays to remember those lost to suicide. We will also show support to those who are currently struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Events
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training
- Thursday, Sept. 4, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Student Center, Covestro E212
- Complete this training to learn about the myths and facts surrounding mental health and suicide and gain the tools to recognize someone in distress. Completing this training will give you the skills to have meaningful conversations about mental health and refer someone to support resources.
Campus Pinwheel Display
- Monday, Sept. 8, 9-11 a.m.
- Lee College Fountain Courtyard
- Join us as we setup a display to remember the estimated 1,100 college students who die by suicide each year. Purple and teal are the colors of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; show your support by joining us in setting up the Pinwheel Display. Place a pinwheel to remember someone lost to suicide or to show your support.
World Suicide Prevention Day (Sidewalk Chalk Decoration Event)
- Wednesday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Lee College Fountain Courtyard
- September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Help Lee College show its support by decorating the sidewalk near the fountain with positive messages and artwork! These messages will spread awareness of suicide prevention and help fight the stigma surrounding mental health!
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) “Talk Saves Lives” Workshop
- Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1-2 p.m.
- Student Center, Covestro E212
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a national organization dedicated to preventing suicide and providing support to those who are thinking about suicide as well as those who have lost loved ones to suicide. The "Talk Saves Lives" workshop is an opportunity to learn about suicide prevention and how to have meaningful conversations about suicide to support those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Painting Positivity
- Thursday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Lee College Gazebo
- Come out and share your creativity to show support in spreading awareness of suicide prevention. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate posters with supportive messages and artwork that they can take home or leave to be displayed around campus. Self-care is an integral part of mental health, and engaging in creative activities is a great way to relieve stress and maintain a healthy mental state.
Build Your Own Stress Ball
- Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2-4:30 p.m.
- Lee College Gazebo
- Self-care and stress management is a critical component of maintaining mental wellness. Join us in building a stress ball as a way to relax and be creative while also encouraging and supporting self-care and suicide prevention. Engaging in self-care is a great way to reduce the stressors that might contribute to thoughts of suicide.
Wellness Wednesday (Mental Health & Suicide Prevention)
- Wednesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Student Center, Lobby
- In collaboration with the Office of Student Success and Wellbeing, we will be hosting a mental health resource table as a part of the weekly Wellness Wednesday series. Stop by our table to learn about mental health and suicide prevention support resources available at Lee College.
Candlelight Vigil
- Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6-6:30 p.m.
- Lee College Gazebo
- Join us for a Candlelight Vigil to close out Lee College’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We will spend a moment to remember all those we have lost to suicide and to stand in solidarity with those who have lost someone to suicide. We will be providing small tea lights for all those participating and will have a moment of silence for those who have been lost.
Mental Health Support Resources
988: National Suicide Prevention Hotline
- If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or you would like more information on how to support someone who is struggling, please call 988!
- This is a 24/7 call support service that can get you connected with support resources.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) About AFSP
- Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
- AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) About NAMI
- What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
Lee College Mental Health Support Resources
Timely Care 24/7 Support App
- Lee College students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with Timely Care — the virtual health and well-being platform from Timely MD, designed for college students. Students do not need insurance to access Timely Care services. Download the app at https://app.timelycare.com/auth/login.
Lee College Mental Health Therapist
- Linda Torrez-Mann is a licensed professional counselor and chemical dependency counselor through the state of Texas.
- Linda generally sees students for one to five sessions, by appointment only. Sessions are 45-50 minutes by video, phone, or in her office.
- Visit Counseling Services Referral/Requests to refer a student for mental health counseling for non-emergency situations. It can be a self-referral (completed by the student) or completed by a faculty or staff member with the student's permission. Once the form is submitted, Linda will contact the student within 24 business hours.