The Suicide Prevention seminar hosted during Multicultural Day 2015 provided students with resources to become aware of the warning signs and to help prevent suicide.

College students go through many hurdles including balancing school, work, their social lives and their emotional well-being, but all this stress can result in, or add to, depression.

According to Sharon Manakas, the coordinator of the student health center at Moorpark College, depression is the number one cause of thoughts resulting in suicide, but there is a way to defer these thoughts.

“It is about moving forward, not looking back,” said Manakas.

Manakas and Dena Stevens were the two speakers for the seminar. They talked about the Q.P.R. method when wanting to talk to someone about suicide. Q.P.R. stands for question, persuade, and refer. This method is used to to approach and help students talk to those who are contemplating suicide.

The seminar gave students insight on the the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and how to discuss these thoughts with the person, as well as how to prevent the person from following through on their thoughts.

During the presentation, students were asked by Manakas and Stevens if they, or anyone they knew, have thought of suicide. A majority of students had at least known someone who had and want to do something to help prevent it.

“[Suicide] is a big problem for the society,” said student Samar Dargahalli.”I want to know how to prevent it.”

For those wanting to learn more about suicide and how to prevent it, go to the Student Health Center in the Administration Building to learn more.