Tigers Together, Clemson University’s suicide prevention initiative, is hosting the 10th annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk in support of suicide prevention awareness. The walk, a national event through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will take place on Saturday, March 29 beginning and ending at the Outdoor Amphitheater (rain location will be Hendrix Student Center Meeting Rooms A and B). On-site registration opens at 11 a.m., and the opening ceremony starts at noon.
Sharing a powerful message about mental well-being for young adults, Kristin Duprey will be the day’s guest speaker. Duprey founded the Sabrina Noelle Foundation after losing her teen daughter to suicide in 2021.
Delana Reynolds, associate director of Healthy Campus and leader of Tigers Together, worked with a group of Creative Inquiry students to organize the campus walk and bring the Clemson community together in support those affected by suicide.
“This year marks a decade of Clemson University’s commitment to suicide prevention through the Out of the Darkness Walk,” said Reynolds. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see our Creative Inquiry students lead the charge in organizing this event, bringing students, employees and community members together to support mental health awareness. Every year, this walk serves as a powerful reminder that no one is alone, and together, we can create a culture of hope and support.”
Participants do not have to pay to walk, although Tigers Together will be fundraising for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. People who raise $100 or more will receive a free t-shirt.
To register, donate or create a walk team, visit Clemson University’s Out of the Darkness Campus Walk webpage.
Other Suicide Prevention Efforts
In addition to participating in the campus walk, consider taking an active role in the other suicide prevention efforts at the University:
- Request a Tigers Together Suicide Prevention Advocacy Training for your group or organization. This one-hour training equips you with the knowledge, skills and resources to identify signs of distress, offer immediate assistance and guide others toward professional support.
- Follow @tigerstogether_ and @clemsonhealthycampus on Instagram to stay up to date with resources and upcoming events.
Actions to Prevent Suicide
Recognize Warning Signs:
These warning signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Having access to self-destructive means.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
What to Do:
- Take the warning signs seriously. Do not ignore the signs in hopes they will go away.
- Reach out. Show your concern. Don’t worry about saying the wrong thing. Your genuine concern is what is important.
- Ask if the person is thinking about suicide. Be direct. Be persistent and sensitive to solicit an answer.
- Convey hope to the person who is struggling. Hope is the best defense against suicide.
- Listen and accept the person’s feelings calmly and without judgment.
- Do not act shocked or argue with the person.
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy.
- Know the resources at Clemson University and in our community.
Available Resources:
Tigers Together Suicide Prevention Website: The Tigers Together website includes resources and other helpful information related to mental health and suicide prevention.
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers counseling services to students who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Reach out to CAPS for a safe and supportive environment to discuss your challenges. You can call 864-656-2451 to set up an appointment during business hours or press 2 from the option menu to be connected with a counselor after hours.
CARE Network: If you are concerned about a fellow student’s well-being but aren’t sure how to help, consider submitting a CARE Network referral form. While this is not for emergencies, this referral will initiate the University’s support network to reach out to the individual in question and connect them to resources.