CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University (APSU) had 1,100 backpacks displayed on campus Friday to represent the number of students who die by suicide nationwide every year.
The backpacks were displayed in the middle of Austin Peay’s Campus at the MUC plaza on April 8, 2016. The backpacks had stories and photos attached to them of students who passed away from suicide.
Active Minds chapter at APSU and national representatives hosted the event and had the support of counseling services.
Stephanie Kling, an on-campus Active Mind representative, wants to remind students that counseling services are offered to students 24/7 and are completely free. Students who suffer from anxiety, depression or have thoughts of suicide can seek help from counseling services.
They can also provide other community resources for students and non-students.
When asked why students often remain silent about mental health issues, Tiffany Ladd, Active Minds member at APSU, said, “There is such a negative stigma with mental illness, suicide and anxiety that people feel that they are going to be judged.”
The backpacks will be on display through 4 p.m.