Reflection Walk set for Sept. 10

OSU-OKC's fourth annual Reflection Walk in support of Suicide Prevention Month will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. 

“Oklahoma ranks high in suicide rate and student mental health continues to be a growing concern,” said Ross Duren, Health and Wellness Counselor at OSU-OKC. “We are just wanting to bring awareness to the issue and walk in respect of those impacted by suicide.”

Duren quotes Paramore singer Hayley Williams, who says “when you feel like giving up, just remember why you held on for so long.”

Oklahoma has long faced higher than average suicide rates, and the pandemic did not improve matters. A 2021 survey of teens from the State Department of Health showed nearly one in four teens had contemplated suicide.

Students and faculty/staff who attend the reflection walk will be able to network with various campus services as well as learn about a variety of mental health and wellness resources that we have to offer here at OSU-OKC. The walk is open to the whole OSU-OKC community.

The counseling and support services at OSU-OKC can help students with the following:

• Working through anxiety, depression, stress, difficulty with family/friends, self-esteem, loss, and grief.
• Referral to resources such as food, housing, mental health, and substance abuse help.
• Mental health support and education.
• Peer support and training.