Glow for Hope, hosted by Ramapo’s Center for Health and Counseling Services, took place in Friends Hall on Thursday, Sept. 26. This event is one of the many events offered here on campus to honor Suicide Prevention Month. The event began with a candlelight vigil with small lanterns to remember people who have lost their lives due to mental health or substance abuse issues.
Participants were asked to stand in a circle and share something they were grateful for. A common response talked about at the event was “I’m grateful for my friends and family.”
Attendees were encouraged to share their stories and reflect on their experiences with struggles of mental health and substance issues.
After the vigil, the crowd dispersed and flocked to the tables set up around the hall. There were tables for the Center for Mental Health and Counseling Services, as well as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Each of the tables offered resources and education about mental health and suicide, offering students a space to start the conversation on those particular issues.
Caroline Clarke, a senior from the NJ American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, stated in an interview with The Ramapo News, “It’s really admirable how they’re growing their events and their awareness for suicide and suicide and prevention … I think it’s really great that we’re looking for new ways to get students more involved and feel more reassured and comforted to know that they are never alone.”
Along with information tables, there was one table at the event run by The Ramapo Social Work Club that gave out temporary tattoos and glow sticks. They also helped hand out lanterns and set up games, such as Jenga and Spike Ball, to engage students at the event. Aaliyah Marte, a senior from the Social Work Club, stated “We wanted to cosponsor because it brings more awareness,” and reiterated the poster of the event advising to “focus on the bright things in life.”
The event also provided a table serving food and drinks, to make the environment of the event more laid back and more of a relaxing experience for students.
Many students enjoyed the event and stressed the idea of how necessary it is to bring awareness to suicide. Christina DeRosa, a freshman Computer Science major, said in an interview with the Ramapo News, “[There’s] a lot of kind people here, it seems very welcoming and fun.”
One major takeaway from the event was the need for education on suicide. As well as, spreading awareness on suicide. Freshman Victoria Perri who attended the event states, “It’s very important that we recognize the signs, it’s very important to just be on the lookout for that because we care a lot about people.”
Students at the end of the event were asked to share thoughts on those in their lives that are or were struggling with their mental health. Some students shared reminders for anyone currently struggling with their mental health and made sure to present the message of no one is alone. Perri says, “No one’s ever alone because I’m here.”
Clarke says, “You’ve not yet met all the people who will love you, and I think that’s something people should remember when things are getting really hard.”
Glow for Hope wishes to bring to light the conversation on mental health and bringing awareness to those who may suffer from thoughts of suicide. Ramapo hopes to raise awareness on the fight against suicide and promote a community on campus that is open to everyone. DeRosa says, “You are loved and you deserve to be happy and to live.”
If you are someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, contact National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call counseling services at 201-684-7522.
jamabil3@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Jess Amabile
