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Suicide the second-leading cause of death among U.S. college students
Issue date: 10/30/06 Section: News
When it comes to suicide, words like shame, stigma and silence often aren't far behind. But talking about the issue is helpful, experts say.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students in the nation, said Ellen Taylor, director of OSU's Counseling and Psychological Services.
"Our culture tends not to talk about things that scare us," Taylor said, speaking days after it was discovered that a member of an OSU fraternity who was attending Linn Benton Community College died by suicide.
The recent suicide came in the same week that OSU was host to the Rita Project, a national campaign designed to raise awareness about suicide and break through the stigma.
In addition, Counseling and Psychological Services offers information and a variety of other resources related to suicide and depression.
Enrolled OSU students can make appointments with a psychologist, and because the department is funded primarily through student fee, the first five visits cost nothing beyond what has already been paid.
"Talking with friends is important, talking with family is important, finding support from clergy or mentors is important, but sometimes it's good to talk to somebody who is outside of it all. Sometimes it just takes a couple of sessions to get somebody back on track," Taylor said.
Another point of emphasis for Taylor is prevention.
"I think it's important for people to know what the signs and symptoms are, so they can reach out to someone who is demonstrating those signs," Taylor said.
Risk factors include a history of suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, depression or other psychological disorders and alcohol abuse. Warning signs include statements alluding to suicide, giving away possessions, risk-taking behavior and a preoccupation with death and suicide.
Taylor stressed that talking to those demonstrating these signs can be a helpful step, but there are certain things that are better than others to bring up (for details, see the fact box on page 3,).
"Silence doesn't protect us from suicide, it just isolates us," Taylor said. "Being able to talk about it may help reduce the stigma, and may encourage somebody who is feeling suicidal reach out for help."
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students in the nation, said Ellen Taylor, director of OSU's Counseling and Psychological Services.
"Our culture tends not to talk about things that scare us," Taylor said, speaking days after it was discovered that a member of an OSU fraternity who was attending Linn Benton Community College died by suicide.
The recent suicide came in the same week that OSU was host to the Rita Project, a national campaign designed to raise awareness about suicide and break through the stigma.
In addition, Counseling and Psychological Services offers information and a variety of other resources related to suicide and depression.
Enrolled OSU students can make appointments with a psychologist, and because the department is funded primarily through student fee, the first five visits cost nothing beyond what has already been paid.
"Talking with friends is important, talking with family is important, finding support from clergy or mentors is important, but sometimes it's good to talk to somebody who is outside of it all. Sometimes it just takes a couple of sessions to get somebody back on track," Taylor said.
Another point of emphasis for Taylor is prevention.
"I think it's important for people to know what the signs and symptoms are, so they can reach out to someone who is demonstrating those signs," Taylor said.
Risk factors include a history of suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, depression or other psychological disorders and alcohol abuse. Warning signs include statements alluding to suicide, giving away possessions, risk-taking behavior and a preoccupation with death and suicide.
Taylor stressed that talking to those demonstrating these signs can be a helpful step, but there are certain things that are better than others to bring up (for details, see the fact box on page 3,).
"Silence doesn't protect us from suicide, it just isolates us," Taylor said. "Being able to talk about it may help reduce the stigma, and may encourage somebody who is feeling suicidal reach out for help."
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