On November 17th, 2024, a report was issued on the Citizen app describing a tragic incident on campus: the loss of a life to suicide. This heartbreaking event occurred near the campus bridge, a place many of us cross regularly to get to class or access west bank. For some, however, it has tragically become a place of despair and a reminder of our mortality. 

This incident is one of 2 which have occured within the past 2 weeks and has raised an alarming concern throughout campus. As midterms and finals approach, the weight of academic pressures, personal responsibilities, and other challenges can feel overwhelming for many students. It’s important to acknowledge that behind every interaction, there might be an unforeseen battle that we are not aware of. That’s why we must come together as a campus community to support one another reaching out, giving out a compliment, or simply taking the time to ask how someone is doing. Even small gestures can make a difference for someone silently suffering.

While I have not personally experienced such a loss, I have witnessed the profound and lasting impact it can have on those left behind. One anonymous friend of mine said “Suicide is the most tragic goodbye a friend could have left me to process for an eternity”. These words serve as a  reminder of the causes and effects that such tragedies leave in their wake. They underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health concerns in our daily lives. 

In recent years, mental health challenges have become a growing concern among college students nationwide. According to a study by the American College Health Association, a significant percentage of students report experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues during their time in school. These issues can be caused by the fast paced, high pressure environment that many universities have. However, that is not to say it cannot be fixed. The University of Minnesota provides a variety of resources to support students facing these challenges, and knowing how to access these services is an essential step in creating a better community across campus.

Boynton Health, for instance, offers a wide range of mental health services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention. Whether students are dealing with the pressures of academics, the struggles of addiction, or the pain of losing a loved one, there are professionals available to help no matter the situation. These resources reflect the university’s commitment to addressing mental health and making support accessible for all. 

This is not to say that these issues can be resolved by institutions alone, it’s also up to each of us to play a part. Small acts of kindness a simple check-in, a thoughtful conversation, or even just a smile can have a bigger impact than intended. By creating an environment of where students feel a sense of belonging we can impact campus in a positive way. Personally, I believe treating others with fairness and integrity is a principle I strive to uphold in all areas of life. It’s these values that I hope we, as a student body can collectively embody, especially during a time of tragedy. As the semester comes to an end, we should not lose sight of what is important such as connection and community. In a time when stress levels are high and schedules are packed, taking a moment to extend kindness to a friend, classmate, or even a stranger could make a world of a difference.

These recent losses serve as a somber reminder of the challenges that some in our community face in silence. In moments like these we should not only grieve, but we can take it as a moment to reflect and act.