Suicide Prevention for College Students
Learn about how to identify suicidal thoughts or impulses, where to go for help, and how to stand up for yourself if your college is not taking your concerns seriously
Written By: Shadi Bushra
Published: 8/23/2022
College Students and Suicide
Many consider college the “best years of their lives.” But for others, being away from support networks of family and friends is extremely difficult. Add in the demands around everything from academics to making friends to picking a career, and those “best years” can become highly stressful. Some students going through this begin to contemplate suicide as a permanent solution to what are usually temporary problems with many other options for solving them.
Written By: Shadi Bushra
Published: 8/23/2022
College Students and Suicide
Many consider college the “best years of their lives.” But for others, being away from support networks of family and friends is extremely difficult. Add in the demands around everything from academics to making friends to picking a career, and those “best years” can become highly stressful. Some students going through this begin to contemplate suicide as a permanent solution to what are usually temporary problems with many other options for solving them.
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Suicide 101 Warning Signs How to Offer Help How to Find HelpSuicide Rates for College Students
There were number for suicides and other crises.
How to Know if You or a Classmate Needs Help
This is a list of warning signs that someone you care about may be considering suicide, with much of the list from the and other sources.
If you’re a fellow student or friend:
- Show concern and be supportive.
- Be direct; ask them if they’re considering suicide or have a plan.
- Don't be judgmental, give advice, or try to talk them out of suicide.
- Don't swear to secrecy.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available.
- Don't leave the person alone. If you're not physically with them, try and keep them on the phone until help comes.
- Take action, remove means, and assist them in getting the help they need.
- Inform Residence Life and Housing staff if you live in a residence hall.
- Consult with a counselor as needed.
If you’re a parent or other trusted adult:
- Don’t leave them alone. For those with students far away, this may translate to doing your best to keep them on the phone until help arrives.
- Don’t minimize their feelings or make their problems feel trivial.
- Don’t imply that they’re simply seeking attention.
- Praise the immense courage they showed by asking for help.
- Encourage them to keep that courage up and continue seeking help.
- Reassure them that they’re not a burden to you, and they’re not weak.
How to Help Yourself
The list above is a good way to start in terms of helping someone in an acutely urgent situation. But what if that student you’re trying to help is you? How do you convince yourself to reach out for help, in or out of school?
Here are some tips on getting the most out of what your school and other resources can provide in a time of need.
New National Suicide and Emergency Hotline
This year, the government number for suicides and other crises.
How to Know if You or a Classmate Needs Help
This is a list of warning signs that someone you care about may be considering suicide, with much of the list from the and other sources.
If you’re a fellow student or friend:
- Show concern and be supportive.
- Be direct; ask them if they’re considering suicide or have a plan.
- Don't be judgmental, give advice, or try to talk them out of suicide.
- Don't swear to secrecy.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available.
- Don't leave the person alone. If you're not physically with them, try and keep them on the phone until help comes.
- Take action, remove means, and assist them in getting the help they need.
- Inform Residence Life and Housing staff if you live in a residence hall.
- Consult with a counselor as needed.
If you’re a parent or other trusted adult:
- Don’t leave them alone. For those with students far away, this may translate to doing your best to keep them on the phone until help arrives.
- Don’t minimize their feelings or make their problems feel trivial.
- Don’t imply that they’re simply seeking attention.
- Praise the immense courage they showed by asking for help.
- Encourage them to keep that courage up and continue seeking help.
- Reassure them that they’re not a burden to you, and they’re not weak.
How to Help Yourself
The list above is a good way to start in terms of helping someone in an acutely urgent situation. But what if that student you’re trying to help is you? How do you convince yourself to reach out for help, in or out of school?
Here are some tips on getting the most out of what your school and other resources can provide in a time of need.
New National Suicide and Emergency Hotline
This year, the government