WACO, TX — Staff at McLennan Community College are taking action to battle an alarming statistic.
According to MCC, the second leading cause of death for college students is suicide.
Staff at the student counseling center says they've seen their busiest year yet.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, staff say about a third of the students they see have contemplated suicide.
"Covid and all of the changes I think has pushed a lot of students past the point to where they're going 'hey I can't handle this on my own anymore,'" says John Baughman, the Director of Student Counseling Center at MCC.
The Student Counseling Center offers completely free and confidential mental health services for students struggling with anxiety, stress, PTSD or thoughts of suicide.
"Really you're making a difference in somebody's life. And in some cases it may be life or death." says Baughman.
MCC faculty and staff also monitor attendance, grades and other signs a student may be in of mental help, and reach out to those students, to help get them back on track.
"That's the feedback that we're looking for, is they feel they have the tools and the things that they need as far as coping skills to be able to say okay, I'm back on track and I can do this." says Baughman.
The center offer sessions both in person and virtual.
All you have to do is set up an appointment at (254) 299-8219 or email counseling@mclennan.edu.
If you are on-campus and in crisis or danger or need help immediately please call Campus Police at 299-8911 or call 911.
For more information on the center click here.
On campus, they are located at:
Wellness & Fitness, Room 101 • 254-299-8210
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
