Building a Suicide Bridge barrier won’t save anyone

On Monday, Sept. 21, during the meeting of the Public Safety Committee of Pasadena, the city had approved the final mockups of suicide prevention barriers designed by Chatsworth-based Custom Design Iron Works, Inc to install barriers on Colorado Street Bridge to deter jumpers. Although installing barriers on Colorado Street Bridge can reduce the chance of suicide attempts, to truly prevent suicidal actions the focus should be on treatment for depression and mental health.  The installation of barriers has been a debate between preserving history versus …

Suicide Prevention Week: Spotting the signs

For college students, life can be overwhelming. In an attempt to become successful for the long term future, sacrifices have to be made. From the countless hours of studying, having a job to pay for everything and maintaining a social life with friends and family, it can all be very difficult. Unfortunately for some, maintaining this lifestyle is just too much and thoughts of depression and suicide cloud those who are in need of help the most and it’s impossible to spot them in plain …

PCC organizations fight to de-stigmatize mental health

In light of the student suicide last semester, and amidst stigmatized conversations about mental health following the recent school shootings, Associated Students and Student Health services collaborated last week on the second Mental Health Awareness week of the school year. The events included showings of Pixar’s “Inside Out” and the documentary film “A New State of Mind,” as well as a mindfulness workshop that was held in the Circadian. “It’s very important that we let those students know what can be done to help them …

Police Blotter: Suicidal student transported to hospital

Monday, February 5th Campus police responded to and escorted off campus a transient collecting recyclables from the trash bins in the Quad. A potentially suicidal student was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital after campus psychological services assisted the student who felt distraught and paranoid. Tuesday, February 6th A transient was reported panhandling east of Lancer’s Pass. The transient was escorted off campus by Campus Police. Staff reported that a man in his 30s was drinking beer in the men’s restrooms on the 2nd floor of the …

Recent campus suicide inspires Mental Health Awareness week

Associated Students promoted Mental Health Awareness week at Pasadena City College from Tuesday through Thursday, with activities including informative self-care workshops, peer talks and suicide prevention training. This October, a former student committed suicide on campus. The death sparked a healthy conversation on mental health and has prompted the college to publicize the mental health services offered for students. “It is important to bring awareness to mental health with the recent suicide,” said Associated Students Vice President of Public Relations Natalie Lau. “We think it’s …