Most College Students Suicidal, Pt.2
Last time, we looked at a study that concluded that more than half of college and university students contemplate taking their own lives. The study also noted that many students who did feel suicidal never talk to anyone about those feelings. I also talked a little bit about my own suicidal feelings when I was in Millersville University. This post, we’re going to look at ways you can spot a college family member or friend as being suicidal.
You especailly want to pay attention to any peculiar behavior when you know that they have been diagnosed with depression or if they have just started taking anti-depressants or anti-seizure medication. Some medications will trigger sudden suicidal thoughts which go away a week or so after the medication is stopped.
And if you are a college student, then you want to look at these signs to see if you may need to reach out for help.
Signs of Suicidal Behavior
- Suddenly giving away posessions
- Avoiding contact with others as much as possible
- Talking about death, even in a joking way (unless the person has always done that)
- Loss of interest in everything
- Loss of interest in things that usually got them very excited
- Stays in bed all of the time or not at all
What Can You Do?
Ultimately, the decision as to whether to attempt suicide is going to come down to the individual. But you can help nudge the suicidal person in the “live” direction by doing a few things, such as:
- Not leaving the person alone
- Getting them to talk about anything
- Listening to them and paying attention when they do talk
- Encouraging them to eat without strapping them down and force-feeding them
- If they do talk about suicide, ask them who would most likely be the first person who would find them and what their reaction might be
- If worse comes to worse, call an ambulance
Helplines
There are many websites you can go to get more information about suicidal behavior and trying to get help when everything looks really bleak. Some places include:
Hope this helps.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
[...] you can be tootling along for months and then all of a sudden you feel miserable, cranky and often suicidal. This can happen even when you are regularly taking your medication, eating a balanced diet and [...]
November 19th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
[...] Signs of Suicide [...]