Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college
age students. Most people who commit suicide give some indication of their
intent, either directly or indirectly.
Some of the warning signs may include:
- Talking
about committing suicide either directly or making statements such as, "I
don't know how much longer I can go on like this," "it won't matter soon,"
or "people would be better off without me."
- Persistent
depression
- Expressing
feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Recent
loss, such as a death of a loved one or the ending of a significant
relationship
- Withdrawal
from their lives and activities they previously enjoyed
- Change
in sleeping habits, including insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Change
in eating patterns
- Increased
alcohol or drug use
- Change
in level of personal hygiene
- Change
in academic performance and class attendance
- Noticeable
change in personality
- Taking
unnecessary and potentially harmful risks, such as reckless driving or
drinking and driving
- Preparation
for death, such as giving away possessions, or saying goodbye to friends
- Preparing
a suicide plan
- Previous
suicide attempts
How to Help
It is normal to feel frightened, anxious or overwhelmed when
someone directly or indirectly communicates their intent to commit suicide. Try
and remain calm. Here are some guidelines on how to respond to this difficult
situation:
- Assess
the level of danger. If you feel the person is in imminent risk of
committing suicide, call 911, or campus security at 755-3888.
- Listen,
and take their concerns seriously. Let them know you are listening and
really hearing what they are saying by repeating back to them the essence
of what they have said.
- Don't
be judgmental or try and make them feel guilty by telling them that
suicide is wrong, or lecture them about how much it would hurt their
family.
- Be
supportive and let them know you care about them, and want to help.
- Ask
them directly if they have thought about suicide. Ask them how they would
do it, or if they have a plan and the means to carry it out.
- The
more specific the plan the more serious the threat of imminent harm is. Do
not leave someone alone who has the means to carry out their plan. Take
them to the emergency room, or call 911, or campus security.
- If a
person is armed however, protect yourself, remove yourself from the
situation and call 911 or campus security.
- Let
the person know they are not alone, that help is available and urge them
to seek counseling. Let them know about the services available to them at
the Counseling
Center. Offer to
walk with them to the Counseling
Center, and stay
with them until they are able to be seen by a counselor.
- If you
are unsure of what to do, call the Counseling Center
and speak with a counselor. Let them know of your concerns. The counselor
can help you assess the situation and help you decide what you should do.
