Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Suicidal states are time limited and usually associated with major depression, the combination of acute anxiety and severe depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. Though approximately ninety percent of suicidal persons may be suffering from depression and/or anxiety, suicide occurs because of physiological changes in the brain, which distort rational thinking and decision making, not from lack of character or courage. Suicidal persons tend to give clues to those around them. Approximately eighty percent of people who have attempted suicide discussed their intent to do so with someone around them. The initiation of a suicidal event is likely to be triggered by a major life stress such as a loss or threat of loss (e.g., death of family/friend, end of a significant relationship, flunking out of school). Some of the high risk indicators of suicidal intent are suicidal ideation; a negative perception of life; intense feelings of hopelessness and futility, particularly if accompanied by anxiety; feelings of alienation and isolation; the idea that death is an agent for the cessation of distress; a personal and/or family history of depression or psychosis; a personal and/or family history of previous attempts; a history of substance abuse; a history of self-damaging acts; and clouded judgment with hints of suicide. The suicidal student who alerts someone is often intensely ambivalent about killing him/herself and usually is open to discussing his or her suicidal concerns with someone. Students with a high level of lethality have a specific plan for killing themselves; have a means such as medication, knives, or a gun; and tend to be socially isolated. When you suspect a student is suicidal:

DO

1. When possible, see the student in private.
2. Remain calm and in control of the situation.
3. Take the student seriously and acknowledge that the threat is a serious plea for help.
4. Listen to the student and respond with concern and care.
5. Reassure the student that you will help him/her reach a psychologist or psychiatrist.
6. When possible, accompany the student to Counseling Services (Building 599) or Student Health (Building 588). If you feel uncomfortable with the student, or if you are unable to accompany the student to one of these services, please contact Counseling Services (893-4411) for consultation and guidance, or Student Health Administration (893-2251).
7. On the weekends or after 5:00 p.m., call 911 (9-911 from campus phones).

DON’T

1. Minimize the situation. All threats need to be handled as potentially lethal.
2. Argue with the student about the merits of living.
3. Be afraid to ask the student about his/her intent and/or plans of suicide.
4. Agree to be bound by confidentiality.
5. Over commit yourself and not be able to deliver what you promised.
6. Allow the student’s friends to take care of the student without getting a professional opinion.