Sara Schenk

On September 12, 2024, Penn State Abington held a Suicide Prevention Fair from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Sutherland Plaza as part of Suicide Awareness Month. This event aimed to raise awareness, foster open communication, and address mental health issues, particularly given that suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people.

Organized by CAPS in collaboration with several key organizations—Montgomery County Mobile Crisis Support, Hope for Hallie, Hope 4 Tomorrow, Teen Talk Lines, and Access Services—the fair provided essential resources and support for mental health and suicide prevention. Students had the chance to connect with representatives from these organizations, learn about available services, and receive valuable information on seeking help and supporting others.

Following the fair there was another event from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Lubert Commons titled “How To Live Mentally Well and Crush It In College,” featuring Joshua Rivedal. Rivedal began with a stand-up comedy routine that set a comfortable tone before transitioning into his personal experiences. “Humor helps me cope,” Rivedal shared, “and it was my way of warming everyone up to a hard topic.”

His discussion covered crucial topics such as setting personal boundaries, dealing with losses, seeking outreach, and managing struggles. Rivedal emphasized the importance of reaching out for help, stating, “When we store up everything, it wreaks havoc on our brain.”

One of the most impactful moments of Rivedal’s talk was his statement, “What we all go through is humanity.” He stressed the importance of normalizing struggles and recognizing that everyone faces challenges. This quote resonated with me and the people I attended with deeply, highlighting the shared human experience, and reinforcing the message that it’s okay to seek help and talk about mental health issues.

The Suicide Prevention Fair and Rivedal’s subsequent deliverance addressed key objectives of Suicide Awareness Month as addressed by Mind Springs Health, a counseling and therapy organization, including reducing stigma, providing resources, encouraging help-seeking behaviors, and fostering connections to combat isolation. Students who attended these events gained important insights and felt more supported in navigating their mental health challenges.

Although the fair’s details were not prominently featured on the event webpage, its impact was profound. Students left both events better informed and equipped with crucial resources, contributing to a more supportive and aware campus community.

For immediate help, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline remains available 24/7 for confidential support. Text or call.