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Depression and Suicide
Contents:
Over 30,000 people in the US kill themselves every year. Suicide is
the second-leading cause of death among college students, after accidents.
It is an issue that needs to be of concern to everyone in the University
community. Although not all depressed people are suicidal, most suicidal
people are depressed. Over 60% of all people who commit suicide suffer
from depression, and 70% of people who commit suicide tell someone in
advance. Here are some suggestions on how to identify students who might
be suicidal and what to do:
Know what to look for
A person might be suicidal if he or she:
- Talks or jokes about committing suicide
- Engages in self-destructive or risky behavior
- Makes statements that seem hopeless
- Has difficulty eating or sleeping
- Gives away prized possessions
- Loses interest in family, friends and/or activities
- Is preoccupied with death and dying
- Has recently experienced the death of a loved one
- Loses interest in his or her personal appearance
- Increases alcohol or other drug use
- Makes a will or other final arrangements
- Has attempted suicide before
Ways to be helpful if you think someone is considering suicide
- Do take it seriously.
- Voice your concern-ask what is troubling the person.
- Be willing to listen.
- Be direct about the issue-ask if the person has considered killing
him/herself and if s/he has a specific plan. Ask how far s/he has
gone in carrying it out.
- Help the person find professional assistance immediately. If the
person is suicidal, bring him/her to CPS for urgent services, or to
the local hospital emergency room when CPS is closed. Your friend
will be more likely to seek help if you accompany him/her.
- Take action by removing means for committing suicide, such as guns
or pills.
- Do not leave the person alone if s/he is in imminent danger. Call
911.
What not to do
- Don't be sworn to secrecy-- never keep a plan a secret. Seek support.
Consult with others; call CPS. Don't assume the situation will take
care of itself.
- Don't leave the person alone.
- Don't act surprised or shocked at what the person says.
- Never call the person's bluff--don't challenge or dare.
- Don't challenge or debate moral issues.
Common Misconceptions about Suicide
The following are common misconceptions about suicide
- "People who talk about suicide won't really do it."
NOT TRUE.
Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue
or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "you'll
be sorry when I'm dead," "I can't see any way out"
-- no matter how casually or jokingly said -- may indicate serious
suicidal feelings.
- "Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy."
NOT TRUE
Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset,
grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and
emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
- "If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing
is going to stop him/her."
NOT TRUE
Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death,
wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting
to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain
to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not
last forever.
- "People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling
to seek help."
NOT TRUE
Studies of suicide victims have shown that more then half had sought
medical help within six month before their deaths.
- "Talking about suicide may give someone the idea."
NOT TRUE
You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide.
The opposite is true --bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing
it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Resources at University Health Services
- For Students
- For Faculty & Staff
Sources used:
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