Commission on University Coexistence and Mental Health
In the context of International Suicide Prevention Day, the CRUCH universities join global activities to highlight the importance of mental health in educational communities.
The CRUCH Commission on University Coexistence and Mental Health emphasizes the need for collaborative work within the university community and greater participation from public health services to address this problem.
Every September 10th, the International Day for Suicide Prevention is commemorated, a date promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), which seeks to raise awareness about the need to prevent this public health problem.
In this context, the institutions of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) will develop various initiatives focused on the prevention and comprehensive well-being of their university communities, such as information and awareness days on suicide; meetings to share best practices for intervention and support; and psychoeducational activities. See the activities by university below.
The CRUCH's Commission on University Coexistence and Mental Health has identified several risk factors within the student community, such as social isolation and academic stress, as well as protective factors: support networks among students, faculty, and professionals; resilience and emotional management skills; inclusive and respectful environments; and others. Furthermore, they assert that suicide prevention requires the commitment of the entire university community and a more active role for the State.
Rosa María Olave, co-president of this CRUCH commission and director of the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Program at Alberto Hurtado University (UAH), points out that “suicide prevention in universities requires the work of the entire university community, since to the extent that the university is a protective, safe space, where support networks are woven, this will contribute to a greater degree of well-being.”.
Meanwhile, Bertha Escobar, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Catholic University of Temuco (UCT), who shares the presidency of the CRUCH commission, maintains that “universities have assumed increasing functions that, in many cases, correspond to the State. However, educational institutions are neither designed nor funded to replace public health services. Therefore, it is essential that the State fully assume its role.”.
How to address risk factors?
Rosa María Olave and Bertha Escobar agree that it is necessary to understand the university experience holistically, for which it is essential to promote inclusive and respectful environments that contribute to emotional well-being. Furthermore, actions are required at the primary and secondary levels.
Regarding actions for promotion and primary prevention, Olave mentions three fundamental ones: having support systems for the university trajectory, reducing stress factors, and developing emotional and social skills.
Specifically, one of the main risk factors in the student community is social isolation, “which can be countered by promoting integration and a sense of belonging from the moment students enter university. It is also important to foster support networks among students, teachers, and professionals,” Escobar points out.
Another risk factor is academic stress, which should be addressed through stress management programs and flexible academic support. In this regard, developing resilience and emotional management skills is crucial for improving coping abilities.
“It is also necessary to have ongoing prevention campaigns regarding alcohol and drug use, which often exacerbate other problems, especially among students who are more emotionally or socially vulnerable. Finally, although less common, involving families can provide additional emotional support off campus,” says the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT.
Regarding secondary-level prevention and treatment, Rosa María Olave emphasizes that "it is essential that universities have protocols for action in the face of suicide situations, which include focused psychological support, intersectoral work with the public system's care networks and also restorative practices initiatives.".
Bertha Escobar points out that “it is crucial to facilitate access to free and confidential psychological services to treat undiagnosed mental health problems early on.” Meanwhile, “those with an underlying diagnosis need specialized therapy, which implies an active collaborative relationship with both the public and private healthcare systems,” she concludes.
Actions and strategies from the CRUCH commission
Since the creation of the University Coexistence and Mental Health Commission in 2022, various collaborative initiatives have been carried out among the universities that participate in this body, with the aim of preventing suicide and promoting greater well-being of students.
Among others, it is worth mentioning training activities in crisis intervention tools, psychological first aid, development of skills in the classroom, aimed at university mental health teams, student directors and various professionals who work on these issues.
Furthermore, on behalf of CRUCH, the presidents of the commission have participated in the discussion of the bill on mental health in higher education and in the Advisory Council of the Undersecretariat of Higher Education for the preparation of the document of “Recommendations and Guidelines on Mental Health for Higher Education”.
CRUCH Universities Agenda
World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the WHO and the IASP to promote measures that help reduce suicide rates worldwide. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of prevention, provide support to those at risk, and highlight the importance of early intervention. Learn more here.
In this context, the CRUCH universities will carry out various activities, which are detailed below:
NORTHERN ZONE
University of La Serena
It will carry out a simultaneous intervention on all its campuses between 11:00 and 13:00 with stands Information and awareness-raising sessions on the topic will be held. Professionals from all student support units and human resources will participate. Bracelets will be distributed, and information on available support channels will be shared.
DOWNTOWN AREA
Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
During the days of September 10, 12, 27 and 28, 2024, the Catholic University will hold, at the San Joaquín, Lo Contador, Campus Oriente and Casa Central campuses, the «Commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Life flourishes when we are together»
The activity seeks to raise awareness among the UC student community about the importance of social support as a protective factor against suicide risk.
Metropolitan Technological University
UTEM, through its network of psychosocial services, has organized interventions on all campuses, to be held on Monday 9, Tuesday 10 and Thursday 12 September
The Suicide Prevention Day Fair is a fair featuring booths from UTEM's psychosocial programs, where activities aimed at suicide prevention and mental health promotion will be held. Highlights include information sessions, trivia games, sleep workshops, documentary screenings, art therapy workshops, yoga and mindfulness workshops, and more.
Dates and locations of the fair: Monday 9 (Providencia Campus), Tuesday 10 (Ñuñoa Campus) and Thursday 12 September (Centro Campus)
Link for more information: Instagram @sesaes.utem
University of Santiago, Chile
The USACH student community will be informed about the main myths and truths about suicide.
In addition, psychoeducational information on suicide prevention will be shared through social media: @vidasaludableusach and @vraeusach; there will be an information stand with various activities (design of a safety plan aimed at students who require support or guidance; promotion of conversation and/or guidance opportunities; dissemination of the system for scheduling psychological care appointments for students who require it).
Date: September 10, 2024
Location: Department of Healthy Living Promotion, Patio de los Naranjos.
Link: @vidasaludableusach
Alberto Hurtado University
The University of Alcalá (UAH) will hold an information fair with various organizations and foundations. In addition, there will be a dance performance by its students and a presentation by the band "Los Necesarios," led by Adolfo Villalon, a psychologist and musician, who will present their artistic work based on the fusion of suicidology and music.
In addition, there will be various mental health intervention activities, which will be available throughout the morning and in which all our students can participate.
University of O'Higgins
The university's Suicide Prevention Program organized several initiatives that are being disseminated through social media.
Through the Community Facilitators strategy, suicide prevention tools are being provided to key people in the community for detection and support, through connection with the corresponding units and networks.
More information:
Suicide Can Be Prevented (lookers.cl)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_lS-NwRjqP/?igsh=cnE1dHVlY2w1Nmth
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_jUY66yoC1/?igsh=NnhpMm5tbTZsdXFs
SOUTHERN ZONE
University of Concepcion
The Comprehensive Student Care Program, UdeC Te Acompaña, the Student Services Department, has organized in-person activities at its Concepción campus, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10.
In a coordinated manner, the Student Health and Welfare units of DISE will make their professional teams available to participate jointly with the student community in activities such as information booths, recreational activities, counseling on problematic alcohol and drug use in preparation for the National Holidays celebrations, a walk, Hug Therapy, and interventions at the UdeC Forum and Arco; all with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of generating protective factors against suicide, self-care, and the observation and identification of suicidal behaviors and ideations.
To access the suicide risk management protocol of the University of Concepción: https://dise.udec.cl/?q=emergencias
Border University
This Tuesday, September 10th, the socio-emotional support network will hold its first suicide prevention event, "From the Border to the South." Admission is free and open to the entire regional community, with a focus on mental health teams and professionals.
This day will feature simultaneous activities (keynote lectures, discussions, and recreational activities) in different areas of the Aula Magna, led by various experts and organizations that address socio-emotional well-being and mental health. In addition, information booths will be set up outside the Aula Magna throughout the day.
More information:https://dde.ufro.cl/events/1ra-jornada-de-prevencion-del-suicidio-de-la-frontera-a-la-araucania/
Catholic University of the Holy Conception
On September 10, the "Zero Risk" campaign for the prevention of risky alcohol and drug use will be launched, a program that includes a protocol for drug use prevention and the promotion of mental health.
Meanwhile, on September 6, the workshop “Types of attachment and dynamics of couples” was held, whose objective was to promote stable and healthy relationships between couples.
Art workshops will also be held for emotional expression, strategies for adult life, and social skills.
SOUTHERN ZONE
University of Magallanes
Informative activities for suicide prevention will be carried out in the university setting, distributing brochures in the different faculties of the university, an activity carried out collaboratively between the various teams of professionals who perform support and guidance functions for students.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 10, a working session of the Intersectoral Committee for Suicide Prevention will be held at the UMAG facilities, and at its conclusion, the sign for the Suicide Prevention hotline #4141 will be installed. The Magallanes Regional Health Authority, other authorities, and the UMAG community will participate in this activity.
Text: CRUCH Communications
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