Helping Distressed or Distressing Students

University Counseling Center (UCC)

The Suicidal Student

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. It is important to view all suicidal comments or behavior as serious and make appropriate referrals. High risk indicators include: feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and futility; a significant loss or threat of loss; a suicide plan; a history of a previous attempt or knowledge of someone who has attempted suicide; history of alcohol or drug abuse; feelings of alienation and isolation; and preoccupation with death.

DO:

Take the student seriously --- 80% of suicides give warning of their intent

Be direct --- ask if the student is suicidal, if s/he has a plan and if s/he has the means to carry out that plan. Exploring this with the student may actually decrease the impulse to commit suicide

Be available to listen, but refer the student to the Counseling Center for additional help. Do your best to make sure the student actually receive help.

Take care of yourself. Allow yourself to receive support from those close to you or those trained to provide it. Suicide intervention is demanding and draining work

DON'T:

Minimize the situation
Leave the student alone if s/he has a plan

Be afraid of planting the idea of suicide in an already depressed mind by inquiring about it (the person will very likely feel relieved that someone has noticed and cared enough to discuss it with him/her).

Over commit yourself. Doing so may leave you eventually feeling overwhelmed or unable to deliver on what you promised

Ignore your limitations