Citation

Gerlach J, Greene P. J. Creat. Ment. Health 2022; 17(1): 15-26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15401383.2020.1820926

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Suicide is a public health crisis that has been increasing the past few years. Stigma associated with mental health and suicide can contribute to suicide attempts and completion. With suicide as the second leading cause of death among college-aged adults, colleges are continuing to find ways to combat stigma. As such, the authors employed a thematic analysis to examine the words and messages written during a university-based participatory community art project aimed at preventing suicide stigma.

RESULTS yielded six distinct themes including Positive Affirmations, Shame-Free Mental Health Awareness, Advice-Giving, Permission Granting, Togetherness, and Religious/Spiritual Support. Implications and recommendations for mental health practitioners and universities are provided. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide prevention; college students; creativity in counseling; Creative arts; creative expression in mental health