WARNING SIGNS

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Excessive interest in books, movies, music about suicide

Take it seriously -- most people who attempt suicide warn of their intentions

Giving away prized possessions of personal or monetary value

Be willing to listen -- even if professional help is needed

·          Loss of concern for self, dress, activities, hygiene

·          Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities

·          Feeling trapped like there is no way out

Don't be afraid to raise the question of suicide.  Asking about it will not "put it in their head."  They may actually be relieved

Signs of planning a suicide such as obtaining a weapon, stockpiling pills, writing farewell letters, emails or suicide notes

Voice your concern and hang in there even if they get angry

·          Loss of interest in schoolwork and other activities

·          Increased alcohol or drug use

·          Unable to sleep or sleeping all the

Let them know you care and want to understand that they are not alone

·          Withdrawal from people, friends, family

·          Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about it

·          Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge

Ask if they have a specific plan and how far they have gone in carrying it out -- the clearer the plan and availability of means, the higher the risk.  It is a myth to think that raising this issue will cause the person to think about it or commit suicide.  This is not true!

Comments like "I am worthless, it's hopeless, no one cares about me, there is no hope of change, I just don't care anymore, there is nothing I can do to make it better, my family (everyone) would be better off without me" or talking about how lucky someone is who has died

Seeing no reason for living, no sense of purpose

Get them to a professional as soon as possible -- go with them.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
If they refuse -- get help from teachers, residence hall personnel, others who can help. 
Call campus police if there is imminent risk.  Call the Counseling Center at 285-1736 during the day and our on-call line at night and on weekends at 747-7330. Come to the Counseling Center on the 3^rd floor of Lucina Hall
Call 1-800-273-Talk
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

People who have had a family member suicide and/or recently had a friend suicide or have made a previous attempt themselves are at higher risk especially if they have been depressed or come from a family with a history of depression

DON'TS:
Don't assume the situation will take care of itself
Don't leave the person alone
Don't be sworn to secrecy
Don't be shocked or surprised by what the person says
Don't challenge or dare or argue or debate moral issues

Those people who are experiencing difficult losses -- breakup of a relationship, divorce (themselves or their family), been arrested, failing school, failing at anything significant in their life are at higher risk

 You or someone you are concerned about can take an on-line screening for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol, eating disorders, generalized anxiety and/or post traumatic stress disorder. Just go to http://www.bsu.edu/students/cpsc/stress/

And click on Students in the middle of the page. The screenings are free and anonymous.

Also check out information on our webpage related to suicide under BE A FRIEND….HELP A FRIEND