World Suicide Prevention Day

Life is worth living!

Tragically, nearly 800,000 people die from suicide each year. That means that every 40-seconds someone ends their life through suicide.  And for every suicide there are another twenty attempts.

As UHSA celebrates World Suicide Prevention Day, we encourage all members of the UHSA family to remember that life is worth living! 

If You Need Help, Reach Out

There are people who care about you, and who are willing to help.

Reach out to your faculty mentor, a close friend or family member, contact your GP/family doctor, or call one of the national suicide prevention hotlines in your country.  Depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm do not mean that you are weak.  They simply mean you need help.  And help is available.

Orientation Focuses on Mental Health Wellness

Monday’s orientation for new and returning students focused heavily on mental health and wellness.

Medical school is a stressful event, particularly in the age of COVID-19.  Medical students who are struggling with mental health issues often times feel that if they seek help, they will be seen as weak.  To help address this, during Monday’s orientation students were provided with strategies and resources for identifying and then overcoming anxiety, stress, and depression.  This included healthy eating habits, physical activity, stress-reducing exercises, free apps, and awareness training on when they (or someone they know) should seek assistance.

Health is More than Physical – Reach Out to Those in Need

UHSA is dedicate to an all-encompassing definition of health, which includes physical, social, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.  So, as we mark World Suicide Prevention Day, reach out to those who may be in need, look out for yourselves and others, and remember that life is worth living!