Suicide Information

SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-273-8255

Suicide Prevention Lifeline - www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in college-age students.

Warning Signs of Suicide

There are basically four types of warning signs:

  1. Situational: stressful or traumatic experience
  2. Depressive: changes in usual behavior, inability to concentrate, socially withdrawn, easily agitated, apathy, crying, sense of worthlessness, appears sad, abusing substances.
  3. Verbal signs: direct or indirect; verbally or in written material (e.g., assignments, papers, etc.)
  4. Behavioral: giving away possessions, writing a suicide note, acquiring means to commit suicide, organizing business and personal matters, suddenly resigning from organizations or clubs.

Look for a cluster of clues.  A suicidal person who gives warning signs will most often present more than one clue.

When the situation is not clear:

Do’s & Don’t’s in Responding to Suicidality

  • DO show that you take the student’s feelings seriously.
  • DO let the student know that you want to help.
  • DO listen attentively and empathize.
  • DO reassure that with help he/she will recover.
  • DO stay close until help is available or risk has passed.
  • DON’T try to shock or challenge the student.
  • DON’T analyze the student’s motives.
  • DON’T become argumentative.
  • DON’T react with shock or disdain at the student’s thoughts and feelings.
  • DON’T minimize the student’s distress.

In an emergency situation, call: Campus Safety at 208.459.5151, Caldwell Police at 911, Canyon County Mental Health at 208.459.0092 or Mobile Crisis at 208.334.0808.

Or call C of I Counseling Services during office hours (9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday):