Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in people ages 15-24 and is the second leading cause of death in college students. Mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse disorders are the leading risk factors for suicide. Substance use also increases the risk of suicide because of the impulsivity, impairment in judgment, and depressant effects that can result from alcohol and drug intoxication. Other factors that increase the risk of suicide are stressors such as disciplinary problems, interpersonal losses, family violence, sexual orientation confusion, physical and sexual abuse, and being the victim of bullying.
"When the prescribed drugs didn’t work for me, I took matters into my own hands. I tried nicotine, hoping that maybe the soothing effects of cigarettes would help clear my mind and calm my nerves. When that didn’t work satisfactorily, I turned to marijuana, which was a poor choice that left me standing on the railing of a bridge contemplating jumping."
W&L Student
Risk Factors
Suicide is a relatively rare event and it is difficult to accurately predict which persons with these risk factors will ultimately commit suicide. However, there are some possible warning signs such as:
- Talking About Dying – any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, shooting oneself, or other types of self-harm
- Recent Loss – through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of interest in friends, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed
- Change in Personality – sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic
- Change in Behavior – can’t concentrate on school, work, routine tasks
- Change in Sleep Patterns – insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, nightmares
- Change in Eating Habits – loss of appetite and weight, or overeating
- Fear of losing control – acting erratically, harming self or others
- Low self-esteem – feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, “everyone would be better off without me"
- No hope for the future – believing things will never get better; that nothing will ever change
"There was one point soon after I was informed of my anxiety and depression that I considered the validity and value of my life. I remember realizing that suicide was not the solution to my problem; however, it was difficult dealing with my emotions. The only thing I could do was to cry in the fetal position."
W&L Student
Getting Help
Many individuals do not receive the help available to them on campus. In a 2003 study taken from University Counseling Centers across the country, out of the 160 student suicides reported by all of the schools involved, Only 31 of those students were receiving help from the counseling center at the time.
If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, please call Lindley Counseling at 540-458-8590 or Lindley Health at 540-458-8401.
"Almost two years after my initial diagnosis, I still battle with clinical depression, but with aggressive therapy and a conscious effort on my part to not allow this illness to control my life, I’ve started to get beyond this segment of my life. I have a greater appreciation for what depression is and what it can do if left untreated. I have learned that, no matter how dark I may feel, there are always people there willing to bring me back into the light. There is no reason for me to suffer in silence because everybody is willing to help. I’m not alone in my fight, and that provides me more solace than anything."
W&L Student
Resources at W&L
- Lindley Counseling, 540-458-8590, Location: Lindley Center for Student Wellness, First Floor
- Lindley Health, 540-458-8401 for 24-hour coverage, Location: Lindley Center for Student Wellness, Second Floor
Community Resources
- For a referral to a private therapist please contact Lindley Health or Lindley Counseling
- Crisis Text Line: Text “GO” to 741-741 (free, 24/7, confidential)
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Text or call 988
- Rockbridge Area Community Services Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline: 1-855-222-2046
