Campus Business Club Sponsors Suicide Prevention Seminar
(Press Release 03-02-07)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Submitted story & photo

Suicide is not an individual problem. . . it is a community problem and requires a community response.

The Eastern Oklahoma State College chapter of Phi Beta Lambda sponsored a Suicide Prevention Seminar February 21, 2007, in Mitchell Auditorium. The seminar began with Kendra Click and Dan Bacorn singing “Whiskey Lullaby.”

PBL Community Service Project Co-Chair Carla Perovich welcomed attendees. “It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 suicides on college campuses per year,” Perovich said. “We hope through today’s presentation, you are able to better identify causes and symptoms of suicide. Most suicide victims are crying for our help. We need to know how to listen.”

The program was then turned over to Mrs. Ruth Brelsford and Eastern’s theater department. The actors portrayed four typical college scenes that might lead to mood change, substance abuse, anger, trapped, anxiety, purposelessness, hopelessness, and recklessness—all symptoms that can be used to determine if someone should seek help for himself/herself or a friend who may be in trouble.

As each scene played out, the actors “froze” and Mrs. Brelsford revealed the signs and symptoms portrayed. The actors then continued the improvisation and carried out the suicide.

“It was very emotional,” said Tina Empson, Talihina freshman. “The dramatizations were harsh realizations of what can happen when we are not aware of our friends, family, and classmates’ actions. It was very thought provoking.”

In 2000, the American College Health Association surveyed 16,000 college students from 28 college campuses. Almost 10% of students surveyed had seriously contemplated suicide. One and one-half percent had made a suicide attempt.

“The problem is real,” said Perovich. “When college students are depressed, they may experience other health or mental health problems. To relieve their pain and depression, some college students turn to drugs and alcohol.”

“Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, can actually increase depression,” added Perovich. “What seemed like a good idea—to get high, to have fun, to relax, and to escape—could create dangerous consequences. Fortunately, it is also treatable and the key to treatment is to recognize the symptoms and to get help.”

Following the acts, an impact panel of Eastern students who have been personally affected by suicide shared their experiences.

“It took a lot of courage for them to share their personal experiences,” said PBL Co-Advisor Linda Morgan. “I truly admire their willingness to share. If one person’s life can be saved by the presentation, it will be worth it. We need to be more attentive to our friends and family and in tune with their activities, emotions, and struggles.”

Seminar attendees received brochures and wallet cards identifying symptoms of suicide.

“Think about it. . .” Perovich added. “For every one suicide, there are six survivors who must deal with the aftermath of its effects.”

Special thanks to Mrs. Ruth Brelsford, Brenton Duncan, Keith Lewis, Jimmy Neill, Nathan Presley, Tiffany Craig, Joelene Hill, Shantry Hilliard, Tarrant King, Heath Shoulders, Matt Tucker, Krysten Williams, and Devin Wylie.

Membership in PBL is open to all Eastern Oklahoma State College students. Future Business Leaders of America–Phi Beta Lambda, Inc., is a national student vocational education association that prepares students for careers in business and business education. Membership is over 260,000 in 11,000 chapters across the United States and abroad. Future Business Leaders of America is the high school division; Phi Beta Lambda is the collegiate division.

Caption info:
Actor Krysten Williams contemplates the frustration of being “left out” during a party. Often, such feelings of loneliness and depression can lead to thoughts of suicide. The combination of pills and alcohol can be deadly. The drama was played out during a Suicide Prevention Seminar sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s business club, Phi Beta Lambda.