The Suicidal Student

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students*. Typically a suicidal person will respond to help as usually there is extreme ambivalence about actually killing him or herself. Feelings of suicide generally arise when the ability to cope and hope has been exhausted; suicidal states are definitely time limited and most who attempt or commit suicide are not ‘crazy’.

*The leading cause of death is car accidents.

Risk Factors for Suicide

• feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• a major loss or threat of loss
• a detailed suicide plan
• history of a previous attempt
• current or past substance abuse
• feeling alone and alienated

Warning Signs

If you observe any of the following warning signs that might indicate suicidal risk, communicate them to a Counsellor or Nurse as soon as possible.

• Expression of desire to kill him/herself or wishing to be dead.
• Presence of a plan to harm self.
• Means are available to carry out a plan to harm him/herself.
• Suicide plan is specific as to time, place, notes already written.
• High stress due to grief, illness, loss of new job, academic difficulty, etc.
• Symptoms of depression are present, such as loss of appetite, sleep, severe hopelessness or agitation, feeling of exhaustion, guilt/shame, loss of interest in school, work or sexual activities, change or deterioration of hygiene.
• Intoxication or drug abuse (including alcohol).
• Previous suicide attempt by the individual, a friend or a family member.
• Isolation, loneliness or lack of support.
• Withdrawal or agitation.
• Preparation to leave, giving away possessions, packing belongings.
• Secretive behavior.
• Major mood changes, e.g. elation of person who has been depressed, extroversion of previously quiet person.
• Indirect comments implying death is an option, e.g., person implies he/she may not be around in the future.

Classroom Indicators

• marked decrease in academic performance
• change in mood, eg. increased irritability/aggression
• repeatedly falling asleep in class
• behavior that pushes the limits of decorum and that interferes with the educational environment
• unusual or exaggerated emotional response to events
• emotional withdrawal from class; self-isolation
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• decrease in attention to personal hygiene or grooming
• evidence of intention to harm self or others in writings eg. e-mails, assignments, tests
• inconsistent attendance

What to Do

Suicidal students usually want to talk, about their feelings and circumstances. Any opportunity to do so is encouraged.

Do:

• take the student seriously - 80 percent of suicides give warning of their intent
• acknowledge that a threat of or attempt at suicide is a plea for help
• be available to listen, to talk, to be concerned, but refer the student to Counselling or the Health Center or other external resources (see below)
• take care of 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 kill themselves e.g., "You seem so upset and discouraged that I'm wondering if you are considering suicide."
• mince words or be indirect. It is important to be direct and use words like suicide, death, take your own life
• over commit yourself and, therefore, not be able to deliver on what you promise
• ignore your limitations or boundaries of your role

If a student is imminent danger and has an immediate plan, call Counselling or Health Services immediately. If the student is unwilling to speak with Couselling or Health, please call Public Safety.

**For Orangeville Campus, contact ext. 5902 or speak to someone in room O208. Please note that Counselling is only available one day/week.

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