Skiatook native Micaiah Stowe reflects on one of the individual stories of someone whose life was affected by suicide. Stowe, a psychology major at RSU, was one of those in attendance at the Send Silence Packing traveling exhibit on Wednesday, May 1.
Rogers State University hosted a traveling exhibit this week to shine a spotlight on mental health and raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention.
Send Silence Packing, held May 1 outside the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center, is an exhibit which displays numerous backpacks on which stories of those whose lives have been affected by suicide are attached, humanizing and personalizing the statistics, and encouraging conversations that contribute to a positive climate around mental health.
“This is a very moving exhibit, with all of these stories of people who’ve either suffered from mental illnesses or won their battle against suicide,” said student Micaiah Stowe of Skiatook, “but there are also many stories of family members who talk about the loss they’ve experienced (through suicide).
Stowe, a psychology major at RSU, said her own life has been touched by suicide, and she felt the exhibit served as a powerful reminder about the importance of mental illness and never being afraid or ashamed to reach out for help.
“The goal of this whole event is to stop keeping this (issue) silent. People don’t need to suffer alone. There’s healing in community,” she said.
In addition to the backpacks, mental health resources, representatives from GRAND Mental Health, 988, the Tristesse Grief Center and licensed counselors were on-hand during the event to speak with students about available services.
Rogers State University offers counseling services to students. Call 918-343-7845 to schedule an appointment or for more information. You may also visit www.rsu.edu/counseling to schedule an appointment or learn more.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or need help with other mental health concerns, call 988, the 24/7 national mental health helpline, or call 911.