In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16) and National Physician Suicide Awareness Day (Sunday, September 17), the IU School of Medicine Department of Mental Health Services (DMHS) invites the school community to join in increasing awareness of suicide prevention with these activities and resources:
• Make an origami crane
DMHS is partnering with all nine IU School of Medicine campuses in a suicide prevention event this fall. The goal is to make 1,000 origami cranes to promote suicide prevention and awareness. DMHS will have tables set up on campuses across the state on selected dates to enable IU School of Medicine trainees to create their own origami cranes. Building the cranes is an excellent opportunity to practice mindfulness. In addition, cranes symbolize healing and happiness, and there is a Japanese tradition that building 1,000 cranes enables a wish to come true. The school is coming together with the wish of healing those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges.
• Take a mental health screening
DMHS has created an anonymous mental health screening to enable trainees to check-in on their own mental health and access appropriate mental health resources.
• Listen to a podcast
DMHS has published a podcast on suicide awareness.
• Attend Dean’s Grand Rounds
Michael Myers, MD, a national expert on physician mental health and suicide, will be the featured speaker at Dean’s Council Grand Rounds on October 25.
These activities and events are designed to help faculty, staff and trainees learn more about suicide prevention and ways to help support the school community.
The views expressed in this content represent the perspective and opinions of the author and may or may not represent the position of Indiana University School of Medicine.
IU School of Medicine
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