BC Seminar Connects Students Through Conversations About Mental Health

Thursday, October 1, 2026

Bakersfield College students explored ways to cope with emotional challenges, and found support during a suicide prevention seminar Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The Student Health and Wellness Center hosted “Embracing Life When Life Feels Dark: A Seminar on Suicide Prevention” in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month.

Dave Seymour, a mental health clinician at the Center, led discussions about the pressures college students face and how those experiences can affect their mental health.

“We want to bring awareness and acknowledge the prevalence of suicide and/or destructive behavior that many college students think about as the result of the many life stressors they face,” he said.

Students were invited to discuss challenges and reflect on what brings meaning to their lives. The group also explored circumstances that can leave students feeling vulnerable.

Seymour said the seminar aimed to help students better understand their experiences and recognize ways to move forward.

“Creating understanding is what can open the door to genuine healing,” he said. “Our goal is to help people understand where these states of hopelessness come from, and how to use this awareness to help get ‘unstuck’ from those states.”

The seminar ended with time for students to connect with one another and speak with Seymour.