Spring Break
Suicide Risk Reduction
Issue date: 10/30/06 Section: News
Risk Factors
- History of previous suicide attempts
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Depression or other psychological disorders
- Alcohol abuse
Warning Signs
- Statements alluding to suicide (e.g. "Sometimes I think it would be better to just not be here anymore.")
- Giving away valued possessions
- Risk-taking behavior
- Preoccupation with death & suicide
Talk
Helpful
- Ask if they have been thinking about suicide.
- Ask if they have made a plan to kill themselves.
- Contact the campus counseling service or local help-line to get advice and support.
- If possible remove the proposed means of suicide from their possession.
Unhelpful
- Try to convince them suicide is not the answer (can feel judgmental).
- Try to show them a good time to lift their spirits (unlikely to help if depressed, plus alcohol is a risk factor)
- Promise confidentiality: 'I will not tell anyone if you tell me."
- Offering na've reassurance (e.g. "Everything will be OK.")
Resources:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 737-2131
Student Health Services: 737-9355
Dean of Student Life: 737-8748
Emergency (for police): 911
Department of Public Safety: 737-3010
Crisis Line 24/7: 1-888-232-7192
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
More Information: www.ulifeline.org
Source: OSU Counseling and Psychological Services
- History of previous suicide attempts
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Depression or other psychological disorders
- Alcohol abuse
Warning Signs
- Statements alluding to suicide (e.g. "Sometimes I think it would be better to just not be here anymore.")
- Giving away valued possessions
- Risk-taking behavior
- Preoccupation with death & suicide
Talk
Helpful
- Ask if they have been thinking about suicide.
- Ask if they have made a plan to kill themselves.
- Contact the campus counseling service or local help-line to get advice and support.
- If possible remove the proposed means of suicide from their possession.
Unhelpful
- Try to convince them suicide is not the answer (can feel judgmental).
- Try to show them a good time to lift their spirits (unlikely to help if depressed, plus alcohol is a risk factor)
- Promise confidentiality: 'I will not tell anyone if you tell me."
- Offering na've reassurance (e.g. "Everything will be OK.")
Resources:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 737-2131
Student Health Services: 737-9355
Dean of Student Life: 737-8748
Emergency (for police): 911
Department of Public Safety: 737-3010
Crisis Line 24/7: 1-888-232-7192
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
More Information: www.ulifeline.org
Source: OSU Counseling and Psychological Services
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