Walk with IU Southeast to fight suicide

24th September 2017

On paper, Katie Kavanaugh was immersed in the ideal college experience.

She had a strong GPA, she was a student leader on campus and she traveled the world with IU Southeast study abroad programs.

Beneath the surface, though, Kavanaugh was struggling with memories of childhood trauma and thoughts of suicide. With the help of IU Southeast’s Personal Counseling Services, Kavanaugh battled through the darkness. She shares her story in the video below.

Katie's journey: Rising out of the darkness

"At that moment, I realized there were people who cared whether I lived or died."In honor of Suicide Prevention Week at IU Southeast, an alumna shares her emotional journey to the brink of suicide and the climb back towards mental wellness. The full schedule for Suicide Prevention Week activities on campus –> go.iu.edu/1GXD

Posted by Indiana University Southeast on Sunday, September 24, 2017

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Week at IU Southeast, Personal Counseling Services is hosting several events on campus designed to promote mental wellness.

Join Chancellor Ray Wallace, the IU Wellness Committee, students, faculty and staff on a 2-mile Out of the Darkness Walk on campus at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, to raise awareness and money in the fight against suicide.

Out of the Darkness walks connects hundreds of thousands of people around the country raising awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.

Participants will gather at the clock tower in the plaza for the 2-mile, non-competitive walk around campus. Register here.

Proceeds from the walk will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which launched its Out of the Darkness Campus Walk campaign in 2010. Since then, the walks have occurred on college and high school campuses across the country.


Suicide Prevention Week

Monday, Sept. 25 – Thursday, Sept. 28

Depression and Suicidal Ideation Screening
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
University Center, Lower Level 

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Suicide Prevention Resource Fair
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
McCullough Plaza

QPR, Free Training in Suicide Prevention
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
University Center North, Room 127

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Hit of Hell: Heroin and Opiates in our Community
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
University Center North, Room 127

Hit of Hell creator Harrison County Prosecutor Otto Schalk will be on-hand to discuss the documentary with those in attendance.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Out of the Darkness Walk
Length: 2 Miles
9 a.m. – Register   |   10 a.m. – Walk
McCullough Plaza – Start
Register here!


If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, consider scheduling a free and confidential appointment with campus Personal Counseling Services by emailing Dr. Michael Day at micaday@ius.edu or calling 812-941-2244.

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