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Joliyah Daughtry
Staff Writer
September is National Suicide Awareness Month and the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services (LNC) on campus is here to remind students that they are not alone.
According to the Jackson State University website, The Latasha Norman Center is still serving as a tribute to the student who died because of domestic violence, Latasha Norman. Norman was a 20-year-old accounting major from Greenville. She would have graduated in May 2010.
Director of the LNC, Shanice White, stated that though her office staff is trained in major counseling areas such as anger management, college adjustments, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and grief, students often come in for anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
The cause or source of suicidal thoughts can vary from undiagnosed mental health issues to problems finding solutions to major life crisis such as personal, professional, or health related matters.
“Be mindful of what’s going on with yourself. Do daily check ins with yourself periodicity and say ‘hey, how am I feeling?’’ do a scan and see how you are feeling about certain situations, how your day is going, how you’re feeling during the day and pay attention to you know people who they surround themselves with,” said White.
The signs of someone who is suicidal can range from individuals giving away their most valued possessions, talking about being a burden to others, increasing the use of alcohol or drugs, and even excessive sleeping.
According to their website, LNC currently has three licensed counselors on campus. Some students may feel a sense of embarrassment and fear of judgment from peers by receiving counseling services but students should know that all services are free and confidential.
“I like to say that we’re in the cut and that’s okay! In the student center on the second floor, go through the double doors and find suite 2102 outside of the door,” White said.
The Latasha Norman Center is required by law to hold and obtain Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits staff from discriminating based on race, ethnicity, gender, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic status, or religious choice.
To contact The Latasha Norman Center, call (601)979-0374. For emergencies with mental health crises, you are urged to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit www.suidicepreventionlifeling.org.
