The Send Silence Packing exhibit by Active Minds returned to City College on Oct. 26.
Send Silence Packing is an exhibit displaying backpacks that represent stories of those affected by suicide and mental health issues.
Each backpack represents a unique narrative, varying from personal experiences to the perspectives of families who have experienced loss. Regardless of differences, these stories offer insight and encourage hope.
Active Minds, a nonprofit organization founded by Alison Malmon, travels nationwide to raise awareness about mental health and fight against the stigma of reaching out for help. While the conversation has become more encouraged in recent years, mental health is a struggle the majority of people still face.
With the Send Silence Packing exhibit, people who have experienced loss can share their own stories or keep the memories of their loved ones alive.
This year the number of backpacks was condensed into 100, compared to the 1,100 backpacks that came to City College in 2016. The previous 1,100 were representative of the lives of young adults affected by suicide every year.
This year multiple stories were associated with one backpack and condensed. Students were able to walk around and read each of the stories associated with a designated backpack.
“These backpacks tell a story of hope and loss, many of whom we have lost by suicide,” Eric Rockwood, a representative for Active Minds said. “But this keeps their story alive. If you read all of it, many have a common theme that a lot of them couldn’t speak up [about].”
Along with raising awareness, Active Minds hopes to show the students of City College the resources they’re able to utilize.
Lacy Peters, City College’s mental health department co-chair, detailed the importance of City College taking the time to educate students on suicide prevention.
“I had wanted to nurture hope, as well as create space for people to feel for a minute. ” Peters said. “A lot of people have been affected by suicide, so I wanted to create a space for people to understand that it’s okay to not be okay and that it’s important to remain hopeful.”
At City College, students have multiple resources to utilize. The student health service team offers daily counseling appointments and a virtual option.
“There was a realization that while this campus has great resources for students, there is still a lot of dialogue that needs to be had in regards to suicide awareness and mental health in general,” Rockwood said.
According to Active Minds, suicide is the second leading cause of death in young adults.
“I think suicide is a really important topic that doesn’t get enough conversation. Suicide is a public health crisis in America, and the more we can share resources and promote the resources, we are better able to prevent people feeling so alone,” Peters said.
Peters hoped for the students to be able to walk away from this exhibit recognizing that students have a community to rely on, especially the resources that City College offers
“If we can get people to resources like counseling, people can get through a moment in time where it is very difficult, instead of it having to be an end of a life,” Peters said..
The transition to college is a notoriously difficult time in a student’s life. The Send Silence Packing exhibit plays a vital role in promoting empathy among young adults and the wider community.
“College is hard, but there are people to help you through it. Please, use the resources you have,” Rockwood said.
This exhibit served as a powerful reminder that no one should face their struggles alone. It showcased the deep connections formed during individuals’ loneliest and darkest moments, encouraging everyone to seek support and never suffer in solitude.
“I want to be able to share the resources, the messages of hope, and for people to understand that they’re not alone when they’re experiencing a lot of pain,” Peters said.
