Not alone: Embry-Riddle students share messages of hope at suicide prevention display

DAYTONA BEACH − You are not alone. It gets better.

These and thousands of other messages like them greeted students on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Tuesday in a colorful display of caring and compassion at the school's 10th annual Field of Hope, a suicide prevention event.

James Brown III, a junior from South Carolina majoring in global conflict studies, said he has participated in the Field of Hope for each of his three years at ERAU.

"I just love this event because it gives people the chance to ... read the words that they might be needing now," Brown said. "Me, personally, I've had family members and friends go through this."

Brown said he has "stumbled across thoughts of suicide," so the words on the flags are enlightening that hope is within reach.

Jennifer Pattison, a licensed mental health counselor employed by the university, started the event 10 years ago as a way to raise awareness about suicide. "Our students, our community, really, loved it. They have participated in high numbers every year."

Most of the 3,300 flags planted in the quad are from previous years, but one by one, and sometimes in groups, students were stopping at a tent, writing a message on a flag, and posting it beneath Tuesday's warming sun.

Suicide has been the second leading cause of death on college campuses for at least two decades, Pattison said.

There has been an increase in students seeking services from the counseling center, where Pattison is a staff clinician. The event puts Pattison and other event volunteers in touch with students who have had suicidal ideations.

"They thank us for doing this," Pattison said, "and they tell us how much it means to them to walk around and see these messages."

"The whole community has a desire to be supportive of one another and to reduce the impact of ... mental health issues and suicide. And so we see, really, all of our community want to come out and write these messages. They're so thoughtful and so kind and so supportive."

Almost everybody has had some personal connection with someone who has had suicidal thinking or has attempted or died by suicide, Pattison said.

"I think this is a demonstration of how much our community wants those people to feel that support," she added.

Sophomores Stacie Montiel and Ryan Croasdell said the flags gave them a feeling of inclusiveness and comfort.

"Seeing this many flags is, like, how many supporters you have. Looking at these flags, someone will always relate to you." Montiel said.

Croasdell shared something she's learned about feeling guilt.

"I wrote that setting boundaries is not selfish," she said.

Freshman Makayla Winchester, who said she has struggled with mental illness and disabilities, was struggling to find words for what she felt when she saw thousands of colorful flags, each with thoughtful messages.

"It's so simple, but it's not something you see everywhere. And it could be life-impacting. It could save lives," she said.

Winchester said her message was intended for someone who might have thoughts of suicide. She said she wrote: "This is going to be the hardest time of your life, but it does get easier. There are people who care about you and love you, and I'm one of them."

She left her phone number.

Note: Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts is urged to seek help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day.

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This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: ERAU students share messages about embracing life, suicide prevention