FOR FACULTY/STAFF

Specific issues you may encounter

The Suicidal Student

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Suicidal persons are intensely ambivalent about killing themselves and typically respond to help; suicidal states are definitely time limited and most who commit suicide are neither crazy nor psychotic.

High risk indicators include: feelings of hopelessness and futility; a severe loss or threat of loss; a detailed suicide plan; history of a previous attempt; history of alcohol or drug abuse; and feelings of alienation and isolation. Suicidal students usually want to communicate their feelings; any opportunity to do so should be encouraged.

Do:

• Take the student seriously - 80 percent of those attempting suicide give warning of their intent.
• Acknowledge that a threat or attempt at suicide is a plea for help.
• Be available to listen, to talk, to be concerned, but refer the student to the Counseling Center or other appropriate agency when you are getting overwhelmed.
• Care for yourself. Helping someone who is suicidal is hard, demanding and draining work.

Don’t:

• Minimize the situation or depth of feeling, e.g., "Oh, it will be much better tomorrow."
• Be afraid to ask the person if they are so depressed or sad that they want to hurt themselves ("You seem so upset and discouraged that I’m wondering if you are considering suicide.")
• Over commit yourself and, therefore, not be able to deliver on what you promise.
• Ignore your limitations.