By: Dr. Karyn Skaar
Saturday afternoon, April 2, if you saw a large number of people in white t-shirts walking or running on campus, you witnessed the awareness portion, a 5K walk/run, of NTCC Psi Beta’s event. Psi Beta is the national honor society for psychology for two-year colleges. Psi Beta President, Hilda Rodriguez, welcomed those assembled by thanking them for making the objective of raising awareness of suicide and sharing strategies to prevent suicide possible.
The prevention portion of the event was provided by certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) trainers--Dr. Nick Patras, Dr. Tina Yang, and Mr. Adam Metts from the Texas A & M-Commerce (TAMUC) Counseling Center. Dr. Patras quipped that this event was “two years in the making.” Dr. Skaar agreed, explaining, “We originally planned this event for April 2020, but all plans halted during spring break 2020 as a result of COVID.”
The QPR trainers presented statistics about the occurrence of suicide, myths vs facts about suicide, practical suggestions for talking about suicide and finally an opportunity to role play how to talk to someone who is contemplating suicide. Zoe Osthoff, a Psi Beta member, stated that the role play was her favorite part of the training. “Mr. Metts helped my group nearly the entire time because we were struggling, and he helped until we got it.” Jonathan Wilcox, a chemistry major, mentioned that it is uncomfortable and difficult to even practice discussing suicide. Erica Chisolm, from Pittsburg, agreed, suggesting there needs to be more training like this. All attendees received a QPR Gatekeeper certificate for their participation.
Dr. Skaar reported there was another link to TAMUC, as this was the first year NTCC Psi Beta partnered with TAMUC Psi Chi. Psi Chi is the sister national honor society for psychology at four-year colleges and universities. This came about with the help of Corinne Wood, former NTCC psychology major, current Vice-President of Psi Chi at TAMUC. Students from both schools attended as well as from local junior high and senior high schools.
Jocelyn Castorena, Psi Beta member, shared, “It was beautiful to witness a room full of people that cared for the well being of others. It really filled my heart to know that there are strangers who took the time out of their day to bring awareness to suicide prevention.” Dr. Yang agreed, marveling that we had, “so many students willing to participate and make a difference.”
Psi Beta wishes to thank those who sponsored the event: Super One of Mt. Pleasant, Brookshires of Daingerfield, Brookshires of Pittsburg, Jo’s, and Pittsburg Title Company.
