Come See Why 'There Are a Million Reasons to Stay'

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Residence hall students marked Suicide Prevention Month in September by decorating bulletin boards with their reasons to stay.

There are so many reasons to stay. Let's celebrate a million of them today! 

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we invite you to attend the "A Million Reasons to Stay" event from 4-5:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Arkansas Union's north terrace. 

The event allows students to reflect and meet with mental health clinicians and peers all while enjoying creative activities like making bracelets, designing buttons or engaging with a chalkboard display. Information about mental health resources will also be available. 

Over the past month, University Housing and Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) partnered to offer bulletin boards in the residence halls for students to write down their reasons for staying. 

The Embedded Team, a group of mental health professionals who work directly with on-campus residents, designed this initiative to ensure that new students know the campus offers comprehensive support to struggling students, so you are never alone in your journey. 

"In my role as a mental health clinician, I see many students who face academic stress, social and relational challenges and financial burdens while navigating their transition into adulthood. All of this can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression," said Suellen Ayala Rojas, Embedded Team mental health clinician. 

The event addresses the critical issues of mental health and suicide prevention, which are extremely relevant in college life.  

The event also serves as a platform to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage students to seek help when needed. It fosters a culture of care and promotes the idea that there are countless reasons to live.

About University Housing: University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 7,200 students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support student success and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. 

About Counseling and Psychological Services: Counseling and Psychological Services is committed to supporting University of Arkansas students by offering a wide range of mental health services. We offer critical mental health services such as short-term individual counseling, group counseling, 24/7 emergency mental health services and case management. We promote student autonomy and empowerment in planning their care through our Care Matching Model and most of our services are covered by the Student Health and Wellness Fee to ensure access to critical mental health services. Counseling and Psychological Services is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. Learn more at health.uark.edu.