Photo of a hand holding up a yellow suicide prevention ribbon as light shines through representing hope

Suicide Prevention Month: Resources, trainings and events from University Health and Counseling Services

Each September, Suicide Prevention Month takes place to raise awareness of an often stigmatized topic and spread the word about available resources. To recognize the cause, staff from Case Western Reserve’s University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) compiled events, resources and services available to the campus community year-round. 

From workshops to support groups, confidential counseling to crisis intervention, these offerings are designed to provide students, faculty and staff with crucial tools and assistance, and to help foster a safe and supportive environment for all.

Read on to learn more about mental health resources, training sessions and upcoming events. 

Resources to help you plan for disappointment, failure and big feelings

Navigating life comes with its share of challenges, and it’s important to have a plan for how you’ll manage your mental health if you find yourself facing stress, anxiety, disappointment or other intense emotions. Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, taking proactive steps to support your mental well-being will help you handle these challenges more effectively.

To help you be prepared, UHCS has put together a planning worksheet to keep track of your stressors, signs and symptoms, management strategies and contacts.  

Another important part of your planning process is knowing where and how to get help should you need it.

When you need care:

Student Mental Health Fund

Should you find yourself in need of mental health care at any point, the Student Mental Health Fund is available to help offset the costs of your care.

Undergraduate, graduate and professional students with financial need can apply through MyHealthConnect for up to $500 per semester. These funds must be used for financial costs associated with receiving mental health care, including psychiatric medication or psychological testing and assessment. Expenses may include individual or group counseling, inpatient or residential treatment, transportation costs, co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Learn more about the Student Mental Health fund and how to apply on the UHCS website.

Events

T.H.I.N.K. Mental Health Training 

Talk, help, identify signs, navigate resources, kindly refer (T.H.I.N.K.) is a suicide prevention training available to all students, faculty and staff at Case Western Reserve. Learn how to recognize warning signs, support others who may be having suicidal thoughts and help connect them to care 

Upcoming T.H.I.N.K. virtual trainings:

Fresh Check Day

UHCS—with support from the Office of Greek Life and the Office of Graduate Student Life—is hosting Fresh Check Day Friday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Kelvin Smith Library Oval.

Fresh Check Day is a program created by the Jordan Porco Foundation, meant to highlight mental health promotion and suicide prevention on college campuses. The event includes interactive booths, peer-to-peer messaging, and support from campus departments and student groups. There will be free food, music and giveaways for participants who visit at least five booths and hand in a bingo card.

Learn more and register in CampusGroups.

Other events

Share your feedback

Healthy Minds study

Help CWRU and UHCS plan interventions to support student mental health and well-being by participating in the Healthy Minds study—a web-based survey study examining mental health, service utilization and related issues among college students, launching Sept. 23.

For more information about mental health services and resources, visit the University Health & Counseling Services website.

Students who are struggling can access in-the-moment mental health support anytime through TimelyCare’s TalkNow. Faculty and Staff can call Impact Solutions at 1.800.227.6007. In addition, anyone can contact one of the resources below:

  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK
  • Trevor Lifeline: 1.866.455.7386
  • Crisis Text Line: text START to 741-741