We all know that life can be frightening and overwhelming. Tragically,
many people feel so overwhelmed that they feel hopeless, like the character in
the movie “13 Reasons Why.” You may be aware of this controversial movie in
which a young girl takes her life, leaving behind audio tapes of why she made
her decision. A local news station interviewed Frank Scott, Director of
Lipscomb’s Counseling Center to get his perspective.
Dr. Scott mentioned, “[Teens] don't have the coping
mechanisms yet, and that's what we learn growing up by the consequences of our
actions. We see life and how to do it, how to do it well, what works, what
doesn't work, they don't have that yet."
As we grow and mature, we learn to develop the coping
mechanisms that Dr. Scott mentioned. I enjoy my work as a volunteer chaplain at
a psychiatric hospital. In our groups, we talk about how a person is more
complex than a machine. When a car breaks down, we take it to a mechanic to
adjust the parts. A person having mental health challenges often needs not only
medication, but counseling that nurtures the spirit. This looks different for
different personalities, diagnoses, and worldviews, but everyone needs a sense
of hope and peace.
One resource is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
(1-800-273-8255). This number can assist if a person is actively suicidal or if
they are experiencing suicidal ideation (fantasies of suicide).
Another resource is the crisis hotline at 615-244-7444. People can call this number when they are
confused, anxious, depressed, or having any other emotional problems.
You may be familiar with the Behavior Intervention Team that
we have here at NSCC—a collaborative effort among Access Center staff, the Dean
for Student Services, Security, and instructors from a variety of disciplines
(including psychology and occupational therapy.) If there are any students with
emotional issues you are concerned about, we would love to help. Just e-mail
Andrew Mason or Carol Martin-Osorio and we will meet to discuss intervention
strategies and offer resources. After
the team meets, we have a conversation that is non-threatening and solution-focused
with the student.
As our society becomes more complex and diverse, it’s
crucial for people to realize they are not alone as they face their challenges.
Giving a student a phone number to call or a referral to the Behavior
Intervention Team can save a life. As a teacher once told me, “tattling is to
get someone in trouble, telling is to keep someone safe.” Working together to help students in distress
will continue to make NSCC a safe haven to learn and grow.
