Award-winning Artist, Suicide Awareness Activist to Speak at University

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Dese'Rae L. Stage

As part of National Suicide Awareness month, the Pat Walker Health Center and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will host Philadelphia-based artist and suicide awareness activist Dese'Rae L. Stage at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27 in Giffels Auditorium.

Stage, who is a suicide survivor, will share how her experiences with suicide and struggles with her own mental health, self-injury, and a suicide attempt led her to create Live Through This, a collection of portraits and stories of suicide attempt survivors.

Live Through This, which has been featured in the New York Times, Associated Press, NPR, and more, helps to reduce the stigma around how we view suicide. The project challenges preconceived notions about those who have experienced suicidal thoughts and actions using the combined powers of photography and storytelling.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-34 year olds in the United States. It is a complex and complicated topic but anyone can learn how to help someone in need.     

 "We want to foster an environment where students are comfortable engaging in dialogue around mental health needs, both their own and the needs of others," says Josette Cline, director of CAPS. "Dese'Rae Stage challenges people to eradicate the shame that often surrounds suicide, and shows us that people can flourish while learning to live with chronic or acute mental health issues."

During her talk, titled "Live Through This and You'll Never Look Back," Stage will discuss her own experiences with self-injury and suicide; the development and evolution of Live Through This; her artistic process; and successes and struggles in her time as an advocate. According to Stage, her talks show the audience that "the silence around suicide is both dangerous and totally passé."

Dese'Rae speaks at events nationwide about Live Through This, crowdfunding, and suicide prevention in social media. She has provided commentary for The Glenn Beck Program, Fox News, and BBC Radio. 

This event is co-sponsered by University Housing and Associated Student Government