ISU spreads mental health awareness for Suicide Prevention Month

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University is making efforts on campus to provide mental health support for students during Suicide Prevention Month.

Donelle Pressburger, a case manager for Student Health Services, talked about the types of support she offers to students, other mental health resources on campus and why they are important. 

Pressburger has been in her role since September 2023, with it being one of the first at ISU. She gave more insight as to what she does in her position and how any case manager service is free to students.

She also talked about how Illinois State University offers different types of support year-round, like mindfulness classes to better educate students on good mental health practices. Students can also join various registered student organizations that work to destigmatize mental health.

“We recently did some outreach here on campus, called Your Story Matters. We collaborated with Student Counseling Services, Health Promotion and Wellness and Student Health Services,” said Pressburger. “Students could come by and learn more about different programs here on campus, and we really want to be proactive and encourage students that we do look at this and try to be supportive and inclusive here on campus.”

Pressburger explained how there are also many apps where students can connect with mental health resources and help support each other. She talks about a free, 24/7 virtual app called Timely Care, where students can access counseling for free.

Other events on campus are held to limit student stress. ISU’s Health Promotion and Wellness department hosted a PAWSitively Stress Free event on Wednesday in Milner Library.

Students could stop by to meet and pet different breeds of service dogs while learning about them from their handlers. The goal of the event was to help students combat stress.

“Encouraging students to get connected with other people that are dealing with similar circumstances and challenges reinforces that you’re not alone,” said Pressburger. “All students navigate this differently, but there are resources here that can help you, support you, advocate for you, and so you can continue to be focused on your goals and be successful here.” 

Illinois State University is continuing to raise mental health awareness during Suicide Prevention Month.