Midwestern University Holds Inaugural Suicide Prevention Walk on Downers Grove Campus

In recognition of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in September, the Exercise is Medicine Club organized its first event, the Suicide Prevention Walk. About 60 Midwestern University students, counselors, advisors, and guests participated in the walk aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and concerns. This event is an integral component of Midwestern University’s ongoing commitment to student and patient care and promoting overall well-being.

“I’m hoping people learn something from the event, and they understand that we’re all in this together. A lot of people go through the same things. People are not alone. I hope people are able to recognize those signs and symptoms of suicide,” said medical student Harrison Quirke (CCOM ’26), vice president of the Exercise is Medicine Club. Harrison reflected on one of the speeches delivered at the event, and how it emphasized the importance of self-care and positive self-talk. “You need to take care of yourself before taking care of someone else. You can’t take care of someone else if you’re not taking care of yourself. Consider what you’re saying to yourself, and if you would say it to someone else,” Harrison said. Medical student Mary Grace Phelan (CCOM ’26), president of the Exercise is Medicine Club, added, “It’s really important that you try hard to talk to yourself positively. We’re going to be taking care of patients. We need to have positive thinking.”

Participants also donned necklaces of different colors symbolizing their connection to the cause, with different colors representing different connections, such as the loss of a loved one to suicide. “I just hope people on campus know that we’re here for them. It was great to see participants from different programs,” Mary Grace said. Harrison also reflected on the event, “It was cool to see everyone get together to honor suicide awareness. We also had a table set up with Midwestern counselors with information on how to recognize and prevent suicide.” Flyers were also distributed with information about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide.

Harrison and Mary Grace also advise their fellow students to take care of their mental well-being. Mary Grace said, “Take some time for yourself, especially when things are really stressful. Go for a walk, catch up with a friend, call someone, do something to make you happy.” Harrison added, “Doing moderate activity for 150 minutes a week is beneficial for your overall health and mental health. Exercise has been shown to have positive effects on depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental illness.” Harrison continued, “People with hobbies are less likely to experience high stress when you’re focusing on things that matter to you. You’ll be in a better mood about things. You can go out there and be a happier person and try to spread good energy toward everyone else around you.”

Midwestern University fosters a supportive environment for all aspects of healthcare, including mental health, and prepares students for their future healthcare careers. Mary Grace said, “The professors look out for students. They are always open to students coming to them with issues, especially if you have academic concerns.” Harrison expanded, “When we first got to campus during orientation, they gave us the resources for the counseling center free for all students.” Counseling services are offered at Midwestern University for both the Downers Grove and Glendale Campuses.