Counseling Unit observes suicide prevention awareness month

The Counseling Unit of BRAC University announced September as “Suicide Prevention Awareness Month”, organizing a host of programs marking World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed every year on 10 September. This year the theme was “Creating Hope Through Action”.

Hope is what can motivate people to navigate through the adversities of life. Every person is precious and every life matters. Sometimes, it is imperative to remind oneself that “my life matters”. The Counseling Unit focused on creating awareness of self and collective care.

To discuss the emotional challenges that relate to self-esteem and self-care, a Facebook Live session titled “My Life Matters: Strategies for Combating Depression” was held on the Counseling Unit’s social media page on 10 September 2022. Ms. Tahsina Rahman, Joint Director of the Student Life office at BRAC University, and Yeshim Iqbal, Founder and Director of emotional support and suicide prevention helpline “Kaan Pete Roi”, joined as guest speakers. One student also shared his experience of overcoming depression.

Two workshops titled “Discovering the Calm from Within” was organized on 15 and 22 September 2022, the former for all students and the latter for only international students. Four more were held – two on 26 September 2022 on “Self Care” and two on

27 September 2022 on “How to Say No”. A total of 134 students attended the sessions which included psycho-education on mental wellness, exploration of inner resources to deal with stressful situations, and sharing of emergency contact details for safety and protection.