What is Suspenders4Hope™?
Suspenders4Hope™, developed at Wichita State University, is a comprehensive, strategic program to promote mental health wellness, prevent suicide, and reduce substance misuse through real stories of hope, help-seeking, and resiliency.
The program aims to increase connections and end the stigma surrounding mental health. Suspenders4Hope™ is the symbol for mental health awareness. It represents community support and connection.
Participate in Prevention Training
Suicide prevention training is offered in person and online. The training takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Take part in an in-person training (invites are sent out quarterly) or complete the free online #WeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training on the Suspenders4Hope™ website (accessible via the QR code).
Follow these steps to access the training:
- Scroll down on the link above and select "Create an Account"
- Create your free account and log in using your credentials
- Select the Free LCC #WeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide course to complete
Become a Suspenders4Hope Mental Health Advocate
- Complete the free #WeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training and submit your certificate of completion to counseling@lowercolumbia.edu and request a free Suspenders4Hope™ t-shirt
- Meet with a Suspenders4Hope™ counselor for a brief orientation (15 minutes)
- Utilize #WeSupportU Mental Wellness cards among peers, groups, or by yourself (provided at orientation)
- Be visible, vocal, and vulnerable by sharing your story
- Check-in with peers and encourage them to check on one another
- Show your Suspenders4Hope™ shirt at events, or whenever you want to represent hope this quarter
If a fellow student or peer is in distress, engage in Share, Ask, Support interventions. If a student is in crisis, refer them to Counseling Services, local and national resources (Cowlitz County 24-Hour Crisis 360.425.6024), or call 9-8-8 or 9-1-1.
Building a Community of Support
If you are concerned about someone around you, just remember to Share, Ask, Support.
Share
If you think someone is struggling, SHARE your concern, ask them to SHARE. Let them know you want to hear their story. Listen and try to understand what they are going through.
Ask
If you hear any signs of suicide, ASK about suicide. Be specific - tell them exactly why you are asking. Be direct - say the words: “suicide” or “killing yourself.”
Support
SUPPORT them by helping them get access to resources and by staying in touch.
Tips for Students to Promote Mental Wellness on Campus and in the Community
It’s essential for students to look out for their own mental health and support the well-being of their peers. Suspenders4Hope™ encourages students to help create a caring campus by practicing healthy habits with these simple strategies.
- Checking in with friends: A simple “Hey, you’ve been on my mind. How are you doing?” can go a long way.
- Being mindful of stigmatizing language: Avoiding phrases such as “that’s psychotic,” “she’s so bipolar,” or “I am totally OCD.”
- Avoiding glamorizing overworking: Statements like “I only slept 3 hours!” or “I haven’t eaten all day” should not be badges of honor– normalizing balance instead.
- Moving your body in ways you enjoy: Walking, stretching, dancing, sports, etc.
- Practicing grounding skills: Deep breathing, mindfulness, gratitude, or journaling to manage thoughts and emotions.
- Noticing changes: Paying attention if a friend seems more quiet, withdrawn, or unlike themselves.
- Destigmatizing help-seeking: Encouraging peers to go to therapy or counseling, and share positive experiences if comfortable.
- Utilizing and sharing resources: Being familiar with campus and community resources for mental health.
- Educating yourself about common mental health issues: Learning basic signs of anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc., and how they show up in daily life.
- Building new friendships and connections on and off campus.