Sheldon Museum of Art
12th and R streets
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, City Campus
Lincoln, NE 68588
Free and open to the public and University of Nebraska-Lincoln community.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to capacity.
Over the past decade, the rate of Americans that attempt suicide have continued to increase according to the latest Vital Signs report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults age 15-34. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.
Keynote speaker, David Romano will speak on his experiences in living with depression. Additionally, researchers from the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center will present an overview of current statistics related to Nebraska young adults and mental health. This event aims to reduce the stigma often associated with mental health conditions, present current statistics of college-aged Nebraskans, and educate attendees on what resources are readily available.
Need help? Know someone who does?
Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
About David Romano
When David Romano began to feel the early symptoms of depression in middle school, he thought everyone felt that way, and that it was part of growing up. When he reached 10th grade and depression turned into a sense of darkness enveloping him, David assumed that he was failing everyone, including himself, and that he wasn’t the man he was supposed to be.
The popular student and multi-sport athlete tried to maintain his outward image as the fun, goofy kid, and used sports and other activities to cover his inner struggle. After some ups and downs, he found the right combination of medication and therapy, and has focused his energies on self-healing and spreading awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Raising awareness about mental health is David’s life passion. He is dedicated to fighting mental health stigma and engaging with communities around the country to change the conversation about mental health. David Romano is committed to letting others, especially men, know that it isn’t a weakness to ask for help with mental health issues.
David attended the School of Social Work at the University of Washington and graduated Cum Laude with his Masters of Social Work in 2016. He now works as a full-time therapist in Minneapolis.
This event is part of the Thomas C. Sorensen Policy Seminar Series of the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, and supported by the College of Arts and Sciences through the Thomas C. Sorensen Endowment.
Co-sponsors include:
Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition
Active Minds – UNL chapter
ASUN
Counseling and Psychological Services, Nebraska Medicine – UNL Campus
Big Red Resilience and Well-Being
College of Arts and Sciences
LGBTQA+ Resource Center
Men@Nebraska
Nebraska Greek Councils
OASIS
Women’s Center
For more information, please visit ppc.nebraska.edu or contact Tarik Abdel-Monem at tarik@unl.edu, or (402) 472-3147.