Suicide Prevention

If you are feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

Risk Factors for Suicide

College life can be stressful for students of all ages and from all backgrounds, but there are some common risk factors that may put you or a friend at higher risk for emotional distress:

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Recent job loss

• Lack of social support, sense of isolation

• Major physical illnesses

• History of trauma or abuse

• Hopelessness

• Family history of suicide

• Prior Suicide Attempt

Warning Signs

If you notice these symptoms, know that it is appropriate to express your concerns.

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or society

• Increased use of drugs/alcohol

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Dramatic changes in mood

• Extreme changes in weight

• Talking about feeling trapped

• Talking about being a burden to others

Signs that Require Immediate Attention

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves

• Behaving recklessly

• Suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts; thinking of ways to commit suicide)

How to Intervene

Talking to someone about suicide can help set someone on the path to recovery, and please know that talking about it does not put the idea in their head.

Do:

Be available to listen, to talk, to be concerned
Know that a suicide threat or attempt is a plea for help
Take the student seriously and validate their concerns
Set aside your own ideas about suicide and try to remain calm
Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide - it does not put the idea in their head
Refer them to Tuttleman Counseling (215-204-7276) and make them aware of the suicide prevention resources available
Continue to check up on them and be available for support
Remind them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength

Don't:

Ignore your own limitations
Minimize the situation or the person’s depth of feeling

Wellness Resource Center