MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Representatives from the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana came to the University of Louisiana Monroe for a training called “Women Take Flight: Signs of Suicide” on Oct. 30.

“I touch lots of students in lots of different ways, and so I want to make sure that I have the tools I need to make sure that their mental health is a priority for them,” said Dr. Leigh Hersey, associate professor at ULM .

Dr. Hersey said she came to the training to learn how to help support her students.

“I hope to be able to communicate with our students better, to recognize those warning signs and make sure that I am able to be accessible and communicate with them,” said Dr. Hersey.

During the training, faculty and staff were able to learn about how to recognize signs of suicide and depression and how to address it when someone is struggling.

Dr. Hersey recalled one of the statements made during the training that stuck out to her the most.

“One of the instructors said to talk to students about how if we were in their shoes, how we would want help,” said Dr. Hersey.

Jan Daniels is the youth development coordinator for the Children’s Coalition who also runs the Signs of Suicide program.

The team goes across the region to train those in junior high and high school on the warning signs of suicide and what to look for.

Daniels said why it’s important to advocate for students’ mental health.

“They may be away from home for the first time. They may be lonely. They may be suffering from stress from midterms that are coming or finals, and we just want to make sure that they know what to do and how to get the help they need,” said Daniels.

Dr. Hersey explained how she plans to open the line of communication with her students moving forward.

“Make sure that we have time in my office to set aside and talk through these issues and have these conversations,” said Dr. Hersey.

If you know anyone who is struggling, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or text “talk” to 741-741.

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