Studies done at several universities show suicide claims more lives on college campuses than alcohol-related deaths.
At York College, two friends are working to change that.
Shannon and Alexia both have their own stories of how depression effected their lives.
They got better, and are now helping others.
They are juniors at York College. On the outside these friends look like your normal students. But on the inside, it's a constant struggle. For shannon it's depression.
For Alexia, depression and an eating disorder.
Shannon McMullen:
"When you're in that state of mind and when you're in the midst of that darkness you feel so alone."
Alexia Walker:
"Finally like Shannon, getting help for both, doing much more successfully with self injury than eating disorders, but every day is a new day and I try to keep that in mind."
The two girls were in high school and dealing with a lot. That's when they got help.
Alexia:
"Scars aren't always visible and a lot of it is emotional scarring, too shocking just how widespread these issues are and it's scary, it definitely is a call to action."
These two friends answered that call. Last fall, they started the "To Write Love on Her Arms" student chapter at York College. The group helps people who may be thinking about suicide. They're not counselors, but they have a very long list of resources.
Shannon:
"This group on campus is so great because we're saying hey, you're not alone, look there's all of us here. We all care, all love you, you're important to us."
Recovering from their own pain, Shannon and Alexia now hope you let, "To Write Love on Her Arms," help ease yours.
After they graduate from York College, Shannon and Alexia want to start their own non-profit group to help people who may have a mental illness.
At York College, two friends are working to change that.
Shannon and Alexia both have their own stories of how depression effected their lives.
They got better, and are now helping others.
They are juniors at York College. On the outside these friends look like your normal students. But on the inside, it's a constant struggle. For shannon it's depression.
For Alexia, depression and an eating disorder.
Shannon McMullen:
"When you're in that state of mind and when you're in the midst of that darkness you feel so alone."
Alexia Walker:
"Finally like Shannon, getting help for both, doing much more successfully with self injury than eating disorders, but every day is a new day and I try to keep that in mind."
The two girls were in high school and dealing with a lot. That's when they got help.
Alexia:
"Scars aren't always visible and a lot of it is emotional scarring, too shocking just how widespread these issues are and it's scary, it definitely is a call to action."
These two friends answered that call. Last fall, they started the "To Write Love on Her Arms" student chapter at York College. The group helps people who may be thinking about suicide. They're not counselors, but they have a very long list of resources.
Shannon:
"This group on campus is so great because we're saying hey, you're not alone, look there's all of us here. We all care, all love you, you're important to us."
Recovering from their own pain, Shannon and Alexia now hope you let, "To Write Love on Her Arms," help ease yours.
After they graduate from York College, Shannon and Alexia want to start their own non-profit group to help people who may have a mental illness.