LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
Some universities across the state of Arkansas have been doing all they can to change the narrative surrounding the topic— especially among students.
"We're just so desensitized to it, like, we're so, like, used to it, and it's not okay," said Brookoyn Skerrett, a UALR student.
In the United States, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college-aged students. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there are about 1.6 million suicide attempts reported in 2022.
As numbers fluctuate, many people have questions surrounding the growing number of suicide reports in the United States.
"Suicide is complex. What we're learning from research is that there's never just one reason why someone decides to take their life," said Jacqueline Sharp, the Area Director of the Arkansas Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
In the United States, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.
"When we go out in the community and provide education it's often we can detect it in three ways, talk, mood, and behavior, and these ways can be obvious or they can be subtle," she added.
That's why staff at UA Little Rock have been doing everything they can to spread messages of love during National Suicide Awareness Month
While suicide can impact anyone, college campuses across the country have started to tackle the topic head on.
Studies show that about 1.5% of national suicide attempts are made by college students. with reports showing at least 24,000 suicide attempts each year. That's why staff at UA Little Rock are taking extra steps to ensure all students know that help is available.
"We want to make sure that they have a safe space to talk about it, to deal with it, and just to a listening ear for our students and our faculty and staff here," said Eureka Ice, the Associate Director of Multicultural Center at UA Little Rock.
At UA Little Rock, resources are provided to students and staff including counseling centers and connections to organizations like the Arkansas chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
Through the AFS, studies are aimed at finding ways to change the narrative on suicide— looking at innovative ways to provide extraordinary resources like music and social media.
Area director Jacqueline Sharp explained how music and social media can provide positive outlets to inspire people.
"In some instances, social media has been a protective factor, and then in some incident instances, it has been a contributing factor.," Sharp said. "Music can have profound impacts on individuals."
While officials work to find more solutions surrounding suicide prevention, September serves as a reminder that every life matters.
If you or someone you know is in need of emotional support, please call or text 9-8-8. Or you can learn more by clicking here.