TRIOTA hosted a friendship bracelet-making event to promote suicide prevention awareness. They partnered with the behavioral and mental health minor adviser to provide a slideshow of suicide prevention resources.
The planners emphasized the importance of creating a supportive community to encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
“I hope this event highlights the seriousness of the issue, showing people they don’t need to feel isolated,” said Suzanne Maughan Spencer, behavioral and mental health minor faculty adviser. “I want people to know there are others around who will help or guide them to the right resources.”
The organization hosts a variety of activities, including the recent friendship bracelet-making event for suicide prevention.
“The friendship bracelet activity is just about unity,” said Kim Larbey, president of the. “I feel like making friendship bracelets implies you will give them to someone else. It’s a cute little gift to give someone to make them feel better.”
Attendees made colorful beaded bracelets while learning essential resources about suicide prevention. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, National Suicide Prevention Month began in 2008, and suicide remains a major public health concern in the United States, ranking as the 11th leading cause of death in 2021.
Participants were educated on recognizing warning signs and identifying behavior changes. They also learned how to reach out to loved ones, express their feelings and check in on someone who may be struggling, equipping them with skills to support themselves and others.
TRIOTA is a Women’s & Gender Studies Honor Society that recognizes academic excellence among students. To join, members must be Women and Gender Studies minors and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in their courses. Members of the organization plan to share their knowledge of suicide prevention with other students.
“We want to involve everyone in what we do and share who we are,” said Becca Zeleski, a member of TRIOTA. “We can ask and educate people at our tabling event if they know the warning signs of suicide and how they can help prevent it, along with offering valuable resources.”
With this event, TRIOTA members are dedicated to continuing their education and expanding their knowledge of suicide prevention throughout UNK’s campus. They aim to raise awareness about mental health by engaging in regular activities and discussions.
“TRIOTA’s mission is to unite individuals interested in women and gender studies while raising awareness about these important topics, especially since suicide rates are higher among marginalized groups,” Maughan Spencer said. “To foster community and support suicide prevention, TRIOTA hosts regular activities at least once a month, promoting healthy minds and relationships.”
TRIOTA’s mission is to create an environment that encourages open conversations about mental health, fosters healthy relationships and educates about suicide prevention.
UNK offers support services for those dealing with challenges. Counseling sessions are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Memorial Student Affairs Building, Room 144. The semester health fee covers all visits.
TRIOTA plans to keep promoting mental health awareness and providing support through various initiatives and events.
“We have always prioritized mental health awareness and wanted to hold this event during suicide prevention month,” Hoffman said. “I hope this event brings joy to people and fosters a sense of closeness. While we are an honor society, we want everyone to feel loved and happy here.”