Social Change Presentation HSP 302 Katlyn St. George

Building Resilience And Voicing Empathy

Who we Are Suicide Prevention program at WWU Funded by a three-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Human Services Focus on Men’s Resiliency and Upstream Suicide Prevention

What is “Upstream” Suicide Prevention? Great question! “Upstream” Suicide Prevention refers to the seeking of resources before a time of suicide risk or crisis. Part of upstream suicide prevention is peer training, in which a peer learns to interact with a friend who is in crisis appropriately, and encourages resource seeking as opposed to trying to help on their own.

Why Men’s Resilience? In the last five years, nearly all of the WWU students who have committed suicide were men. Although more women attempt suicide, men are more likely to complete suicide and tend to use more lethal methods. Research shows that men are less likely to seek help in times of crisis, and more likely to abuse alcohol and/or other drugs to cope. To break down the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, including the macro aspects such as the belief that men must be “strong” and it is a “sign of weakness” to ask for help.

Movember Movement The Movember organization (also known as “no shave November”) was started for Prostate Cancer awareness and to raise funds for Prostate Cancer research Since then, the movement has expanded to include all aspects of men’s health. The WWU Movember movement focuses on Men’s Mental Health

BRAVE Movember Events Open Your Mind: WWU Mental Health Resource Fair Took place on November 5th and 6th in the VU MPR Featured free 15-minute massages and therapy dogs Each organization provided an interactive activity

BRAVE Movember Events Eric Hipple’s Speech: “Real Men DO Cry” Took place on November 19th in AH 100 Eric Hipple, former NFL Quarterback, talked about mental health, mental fitness and resiliency

BRAVE Movember Events The Walk of Hope Took place on November 20th in VU MPR, co-sponsored with TWLOHA Its purpose was to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health, and to create a space where the community can discuss and help break down the stigmas surrounding depression and suicide. Featured speakers: * Ian Vincent, WWU Alumnus * Miranda Smedley, Senior and R.A. at WWU * Dr. Eileen Coughlin, VP of Enrollment and Student Services I introduced Miranda, did the exit acknowledgements, and presented a message of hope.

WWU Movember Fashion Show! BRAVE Movember Events TONIGHT: WWU Movember Fashion Show! Come see the models who participated in WWU Movember! 7:00 PM, Old Main Theater