Yellow ribbons will be distributed around Grounds next week as part of a student-initiated campaign to promote awareness of suicide and depression.
Known as "Lifting the Darkness," the week-long initiative will commence for the first time Monday and include the distribution of yellow ribbons and information cards, a panel discussion and free depression screening by University Counseling and Psychological Services.
A vigil for those whose lives have been affected by depression or suicide will conclude the week's activities next Thursday night.
Participants in the vigil will meet at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, from which point they will walk in darkness to the Rotunda. Once on the Lawn, participants will listen to a speaker from the local mental health association and light candles, as they symbolically "lift the darkness."
Design and programming for the week have been coordinated by third-year College student Samantha Gavin, in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Students, CAPS, Student Health and the Office of Health Promotion.
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Gavin said she felt compelled "to spread awareness and lift the darkness that surrounds suicide and depression" after experiencing her father's suicide on her 15th birthday.
"As I grew older, I realized that I, of course, was not the only person affected by suicide," Gavin said. "It was just that no one knew how to approach the topic."
Statistics gathered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention indicate that almost 10 percent of all Americans 18 and older suffer from depression, yet only 30 percent of Americans seek help for their illness.
Gavin said she believes the topics of depression and suicide "are taboo, which further isolates those who are suffering from depression or know someone who is."
However, Gavin said she hopes "Lifting the Darkness" week will "begin to dissolve the existing stigma" against open discussion regarding issues of suicide and depression.
The week's events will encourage students to seek treatment if they believe they may be suffering from depression. A reported 80 to 90 percent of patients treated for depression respond positively to treatment according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The major objectives of the week are "to raise levels of awareness about the prevalence of depression and to be able to help students and faculty who are dealing with depression to know that they are not alone," Assoc. Dean of Students V. Shamim Sisson said.
Sisson emphasized the excellent resources available to University community members.
Some of these resources include CAPS, which will conduct free depression screening in Newcomb Hall next Wednesday, and the Peer Health Educators, who will make several educational presentations throughout the week.
"Lifting the Darkness" week was planned prior to the recent suicide of University student Aaron John Fox during Spring Break, but will provide an outlet for those coping with his death.
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