Suicide moves to more than a personal issue

     Suicide was the third cause of death among individuals ages 15 to 24 in 2005, according to the latest available data at The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Suicide attempts can and does happen anywhere, even at GCSU. Freshman Kiara Jones, recently intervened with a friend who was contemplating suicide.
     “I just stayed on the phone with him and calmed him down for more than an hour,” said Jones, a psychology major. “He was crying and everything, but I told him that he had so much more to live for, and that it would hurt me for him to end his life so early. Thankfully he is still here.”
     Since early January, there has been at least one incident of suicide attempt at GCSU, according to Public Safety. A couple of weeks ago, a student at a residence hall had written a suicide letter to her roommate. Mary Jane Phillips, director of Counseling Services, was called and the student was taken to the Coliseum Psychiatric Healthcare for observation.
Suicide risk factors include psychiatric disorders, past suicide attempts and genetic predisposition, which may include family history of suicide or attempted suicide or psychiatric illness.
     Suicide crises are events that can be a catalyst for attempting suicide. It includes things such as recent, distressing events that can lead to an intense emotional state. Those circumstances can lead to depression and changes in behavior, such as lack of enthusiasm in school or work.
Phillips said if someone is thinking of suicide, he or she should seek some type of help.
     “They should reach out for help wherever they see fit–family or a religious leader,” Phillips said
     A student who feels suicidal can contact Counseling Services, located in Lanier Hall 131, which provides personal, confidential counseling.
     If a student thinks he knows someone who may attempt suicide, there are common signs that a family, friend or peer  can look for.
     “There are several signs to look for to assess if a friend or peer is having suicidal feelings,” Phillips said. “The individual may say it directly ‘I don’t know if I can go on.’ He or she may exhibit dramatic changes or they may begin struggling with different issues.”
     Phillips said if you don’t know but suspect that a friend is feeling suicidal, just ask him or her.
     “It’s okay to ask directly,” Phillips said. “It’s not going to put the thought in their head-if they’re not thinking it–and if they are, it’s a relief.”
     A student can also consult Counseling Services if they are not sure about how to intervene with someone else. An individual can also contact his or her resident assistant or resident director for assistance.
     Phillips suggests if you know a peer is having those thoughts and wants to confide in you, don’t promise that you will keep what they say confidential.
     “If people really feel torn about what they should do in a situation, think about the possible outcomes,” Phillips said.      “There is no guarantee (that the person won’t commit suicide), but you’ll feel like ‘I did everything I humanly possible could.’”

How to get help:

Counseling Services
Lanier Hall 131
478-445-5331
Office hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
In emergency situations call 911 or GCSU Public Safety at (478) 445-4400

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1-800-799-4TTY (4789)
Available 24 hours,
7 days a week
Free and Confidential
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 15 2008. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry