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Western Carolinian Volume 69 Number 15

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  • 6 WCnewsmagazine Suicide statistics reveal national epidemic by Jennifer Gardner * Guest Writer Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students? In fact, suicide could be considered a national epidemic; approximately 30,000 suicides occur each year. This is just one of the many facts and helpful suggestions given through a panel discussion entitled, Suicide on Campus: Its Everyones Problem, on Tuesday night, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the UC Theater. This panel was sponsored by both the Counseling and Psychological Services Center and the Health Center, and panelists included Dr. John Ritchie of the Counseling Center and Psychological Services Center and Dr. Jeff Davis from Health Services. In a 2002 survey of Western Students, 2% (168 students) admitted to attempting suicide and 10% (840 students) stated they had seriously considered suicide in the past year. This, as well as the steadily rising national average, is an alarming number. Why do individuals contemplate | suicide? According to Dr. John Ritchie, there are numerous, different and often surprising reasons. These include being overstressed or _ feeling overwhelmed, changes in medication, health problems, academic | failure, financial difficulties, loss of job, suicide or death within the family, | relationship problems, substance abuse and changes in mood such as depression, hostility, violence or helplessness. Changes in behavior are a clear indication of a problem. Individuals who entertain suicidal thoughts can be classified into two groups: those who are seeking help, either consciously or unconsciously, and those who do not want help from anyone and believe they have a right to die because they are in charge. Regardless of the personality type, most suicidal individuals _ discuss suicide before making an attempt. 75% of suicide attempts never receive counseling. If someone mentions or threatens suicide, then that person should be taken seriously. It is mportant to listen and not argue or judge. According to Dr. John Ritchie, It _ is better to over-react than to under-react. If a person who is contemplating _ suicide does not get the response they need, they may act out more aggressively next time. Any mention of suicide should be immediately addressed. In addressing any statements or indication of suicide, it is important to share personal anxiety and to establish a personal connection with the person who is contemplating suicide. This can best be done through listening and talking openly. From there, the next step is to discover the severity of the suicidal threat. This can be done through creating a calm and comfortable environment. If the threat is indeed serious, help the person contact the appropriate resource such as the Counseling Center and Psychological Services Center, through either a phone call or a personal visit. In any event, do not hesitate to call Counseling Services for a consultation or advice on seeking assistance for an individual. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is always help. The Counseling Center can be reached at 828-227-7469. After 5 p.m. and on weekends, call the Health Center at 227-7301. There are also links on the health services website that can help diagnose suicidal tendencies in individual behavior. You can also visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at: www.afsp.org to learn more. ae & & Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) Rain does not stop international Festival by Margaret Hester * WCnewsmagazine Learning about other cultures is an important part of a college education. Thanks to Westerns International Festival, students have the chance to experience new cultures without ever setting foot in another country. The international festival began 26 years ago as a way for students to better understand other cultures through traditional dances, music, food and art. This years international festival was held on Wednesday, April 13", 2005. The activities began at 10am on the UC lawn with demonstrations of Highland bagpipes and drums and continued throughout the day with other music from Africa and Mexico. Not only is the music entertainment international, there was also Western's _ fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, giving a stepping showing. Along with other dances, there were also salsa lessons available and even a martial arts demonstration. However, not all traditions are music and dance related. From face painting, and crafts to cultural awareness and an international quiz, there was something for all ages at the international festival. College Students were not the only ones visiting the international festival. High school and middle school students from the area also made the trip to Western to experience other cultures. Toward the end of the festival, it began to rain this year, but that did not stop the last events from continuing. A fashion show and the judging of the booths were also conducted. The fashion show gave everyone in ed audience a look into the traditional dress of other cultures throughout the world. ; Every year Western brings the best of the world to the UC lawn with the international festival. It is the best way to expand ones mind and ideas of other cultures through example. Look for next years international festival or to become involved, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 7234 or International Programs and Services at 7494. First Choice Real Estate Apartment Rental Check Now for New Semester Rentals!! Call and ask for Sue 828-586-0067
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