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Resources for Helping Students
Making Effective Referrals to the Counseling Center
Identifying At-Risk Students: An Informative Guide for Concerned Faculty Members
Get help immediately if you should witness any one or more of the following:
- Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself.
- Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.
- Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.
Get help as soon as possible for a referral should you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of the following:
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- No reason for living, no sense of purpose in life
To help someone who is threatening suicide:
- Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
- As if he/she is thinking about suicide.
- Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.
- Be willing to listen. Allow for expression of feelings. Accept the feelings.
- Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
- Don't dare him/her to do it.
- Don't give advice by making decisions for someone else to tell them to behave differently.
- Don't ask “why.” This encourages defensiveness.
- Offer empathy, not sympathy.
- Don't act shocked. This creates distance.
- Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available, do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves you don't understand.
- Take action! Remove means! Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crises intervention and suicide prevention.
National Suicide Prevention Life-line
24-hour toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crises
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Why should I call?
- Call to speak to someone who cares.
- Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself.
- Call for referrals to mental health services.
- Call to speak to mental health worker about someone you are concerned about.
What should I know?
- Be aware of the warning signs.
- Be aware of the facts.
- Ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide.
- Be aware of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Talk to someone – you are not alone.
- See also www.myspace.com/suicidepreventionlifeline.