‘Jumping off Bridges’ film to help students
The USU Counseling Center will be showing a video called “Jumping off Bridges” Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Lundstrom Student Center.
According to a press release about the movie, “Jumping off Bridges” is about the coping process of four teenage boys when one loses his mother to suicide due to depression. The movie is also used to discuss effective and ineffective coping strategies.
According to Dave Bush, a psychiatrist at the Counseling Center, the feature-length movie can evoke strong emotions, so counselors will be present to offer help as well as hold a discussion group after the showing. He and the other counselors decided to get a copy of the movie after previewing it themselves because of its value on dealing with depression. Bush said they want to show it to as many students as possible because depression and suicide are real problems that exist here at USU.
“It is our hope that we can raise awareness about suicide and depression so students can get help before a tragedy happens,” Bush said. One to two students each year take their lives because of this, he said.
Educating students about the signs and dangers of untreated depression can help prevent future accidents, he said. The showing of this video is one plan the Counseling Center has to help educate students about suicide.
“At any given time, many adults suffer from some level of depression,” Bush said.
The National Institute for Mental Health has identified some warning signs of people who may take their life. This list can be picked up at the Counseling Center in the TSC. Included on the list are tips for taking action against the effects of depression, such as being willing to listen, encouraging and supporting the person to see a professional and helping them if they get into a crisis.
Bush said he hopes students suffering from feelings of depression come watch along with their roommates and friends to provide help.
-dwkoecher@cc.usu.edu