The Seventh Annual Break the Silence 5K Run/Walk will be held this Saturday, March 25 to bring attention to suicide prevention and promote the NCSU Student Counseling Center. The inaugural 5K in 2011 was hosted by the Sigma Pi fraternity in memory of their late brother, Marc Haege, to raise money for the NCSU Student Counseling Center.

The mission of the race is “to remember those lost to suicide” and “raise awareness for the resources available to people who may be suffering from depression.” The Counseling Center cites the importance of suicide prevention on college campuses due to the 24,000 suicide attempts on college campuses every year nationwide. According to Emory University, one in ten college students have made a plan for suicide. College students face specific risk factors in additional to general risk factors for suicide including being in a new environment, loss of a social network, loss of the home safety net, academic or social pressure, isolation, experimentation with drugs or alcohol, and a lack of coping skills.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death of college students.”

–NCSU Student Counseling Center

The Counseling Center at NC State offer resources for students and parents as well as faculty and staff. Online screenings, self help, and campus resources for students are highlighted on the Center’s website. Parents are directed to their own unique sources for how to best help their student adjust and cope. Faculty and staff are supported by the Counseling Center in their distinct position of identifying and helping students in need.

When heading off to college it is important to be aware of the resources available at your school; if you personally do not require their services, someone close to you might.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 with free and confidential support for anyone in distress and for those looking for prevention and crisis resources.