Guide to Suicide Prevention - Dartmouth

A Guide to Suicide Prevention

Sadly, suicide is the second leading cause of death, after accidents, among college students.

This guide is intended to be used to review risk factors for suicide, how to approach students, as well as the resources that are available on campus. A guide can only identify a limited number of important items.

• Risk Factors:

The following can be associated with risk for suicide. In general, the more of these factors a student has experienced and the greater the severity, the higher the risk for suicide.

• Has suicidal ideation, plans and/or means
• Recent significant loss
• Failure to live up to their own or others' expectations
• Increased isolation/social withdrawal
• Inability to experience pleasure or have fun
• Alcohol/other drug use
• Poor class attendance/poor academic performance
• Concerns about sexual orientation
• Change in personality
• Giving away posessions
• Sexual promiscuity
• Previous suicide attempts
• Feelings of hopelessness/despair
• Off-handed comments about not being around or about death
• Impulsivity and/or violence
• See death as the only way to end their suffering
• Thoughts of suicide
• Appears to be in a fog
• Recent sexual assault

• How To Approach A Student:

• Express your concern to the student citing the risk factors you have observed.
• Ask about the other risk factors.
• Ask about suicidal thoughts directly, use the word suicide. This does not increase the risk of a suicide occurring, in fact students are often relieved to have someone to talk to.
• Assist the student to find solutions to their problems other than suicide.
• Never agree to keep serious suicidal thoughts in confidence. It is important that a student with serious suicidal thoughts meet with a counseling professional so the student can receive the support they need.
• Be supportive and follow-up with the student

• What To Do:

If the student has made a suicide attempt, call 911 for an ambulance, and Security.
.
If the student has a few of the risk factors, but denies being suicidal, it makes sense for them to touch base with a counselor. They can call Counseling to set up an appointment at their convenience.  If you are not sure what to do, or how to proceed, call Counseling Center and ask to speak to a counselor.

Suicide – (Helping Others) University of Massachusetts - Lowell

SUICIDE . . . .IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS.  BE A CARING FRIEND !

Some things you need to know to help a friend.  Too many of us are dying for a friend or for someone to take their pain and distress seriously.  We don't joke around about suicide because it makes it seem that it's just another option it's not serious or that we just don't care.  

SOME MYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE

All of the following beliefs about suicide are false:

• People who talk about suicide won't do it.
• People who abuse alcohol or other drugs are less likely to attempt suicide because they have other ways to forget problems or relieve stress.
• If you ask a person if they are thinking about suicide, you might 'plant the seed' for them to do so.
• Most suicide attempts occur without previous hints of warnings.
• The great majority of people who attempt suicide really want to die.
   

SOME FACTS

Most people who attempt suicide are confused about whether or not they want to die. They usually are desperate to find a way to remove or stop emotionally pain. A suicide attempt is often a cry for help that ends in a tragedy. In eight out of ten suicides the person has spoken about their intent before killing themselves. They need someone to take them and their emotional pain and discouragement seriously.

What is usually most helpful is to encourage them to express themselves without telling them how they should feel or think. Suicidal people need friends who will listen patiently and show they care, and referral to a professional if possible.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW TO HELP A FRIEND

Some warning signs that someone may be very depressed or suicidal:

Statements like:

"I just want it to end"; "I can't take it any more";
"It'll all be over soon";
"You won't have to worry about me much longer";
"Nothing means anything any more";
"I can't see how it will ever be better"
Extended sadness, crying
Recent event (such as trauma or loss) from which the person does not seem to be recovering
Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
Becoming bored or listless; lack of energy or ambition
Previous suicidal talk or attempt(s)
Giving away possessions - "putting things in order"
Increased risky behavior (things like driving recklessly, drinking excessively, not caring about personal
safety)
Less interest in friends; isolation from family
Restlessness or hyperactivity
Thoughts or feeling of hopelessness, helplessness, lack of future possibilities
 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

LISTEN
...LISTEN
..LISTEN...
 

• Express your concern...and ask about suicidal thoughts/plans..
• Help your friend to talk about whatever is painful or distressing.. Try to understand how they see the problem and the pain..
• Don't try to solve the problem - concentrate on befriending the person..and encourage them to be in contact with other friends and/or family who could be
• supportive..
• Help them to stay safe. If they are in immediate danger, stay with them and get assistance. The fastest assistance will probably come by contacting Residence Hall Staff or University Police
• Encourage your friend to talk further with someone else who may be able to help (e.g. Residence Life or Counseling Staff). Talk with them yourself to check out how you can continue to help..
   
   

FOR ADDITIONAL HELP

In an immediate emergency, call Campus Safety at 614-8390.
 

TALK WITH STAFF IN RESIDENCE LIFE, HEALTH SERVICES, CAMPUS MINISTRIES, OR COUNSELING SERVICES

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