6 tips for talking to students about suicide
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The end of the semester can be a difficult time for students. Pressure to perform well, meet expectations or reach certain milestones can all negatively impact mental health.Ěý
College students are also at increased risk for suicide, especially during high-stress times of the year. Talking about suicide, even if the conversation is brief, can encourage students who are at risk to seek support.Ěý
Here are some things you can do if you are concerned that your student or someone you know may be struggling or thinking about suicide.Ěý
1. Know the warning signs
While suicides may take us by surprise or feel unexpected, there are verbal and behavioral warning signs that often precede suicidal behaviors. Knowing potential warning signs and ways to intervene can dramatically reduce the risks of suicidal behaviors.ĚýĚý
Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Sudden changes in academic performance (e.g., cutting class, missing assignments, etc.)
- Withdrawing from friends, family or social groups
- Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time, insomnia
- Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or there is no reason to live
- Feeling desperate or trapped, like there is no way outĚý
- Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behaviors
- Engaging in violent or self-destructive behaviors
- Noticeable decline or worsening of mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.)
- Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
- Giving away possessions
- Neglecting their appearance or hygiene
If you notice these warning signs, there are ways you can support your student and help them connect with support services.Ěý
2. Share your concerns
If you’re concerned about your student, gently share what you’ve noticed and your desire to help. It can be helpful to provide concrete examples of behaviors that you’ve noticed. For instance, you may say “I’ve noticed you seem unhappy lately” or “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been spending as much time with your friends as you used to.” Acknowledging their distress can help open the door for conversation.Ěý
3. Ask the question
Don’t be afraid to ask your student directly about suicide or self-harm. Contrary to what we may think, talking about suicide directly isn’t going to plant the idea in their head. If they have been thinking about suicide or self-harm, asking them about it can be a relief and an opportunity for them to talk about it more openly.ĚýĚý
When you ask, express your care by saying something like “I’m asking because I care. Are you thinking about suicide?” If they aren’t, they’ll let you know. Asking students, even if they aren’t thinking about suicide lets them know that it’s okay to talk about it in the future if things change. If they are thinking about suicide, it might be time to think about referring them for help or coming out to support them.
4. Listen
Listen to your student without judgment and resist the urge to give them advice. It’s important to understand your student’s pain and what they’re experiencing. Keep in mind that suicidal behaviors are often short-term and specific to certain situations. In many cases, suicide ideation is an attempt to control or manage significant pain. When the pain subsides, suicidal ideation often dissipates with it. However, understanding the source of your student’s pain (e.g., academic pressures, mental health concerns, etc.) can help better support them and connect them with resources.Ěý
5. Manage your emotions
Talking openly about suicide can be challenging, especially if a student says they have or are considering it. It’s important to notice your own emotional response and seek support if needed. If students pick up on our own distress or anxiety when discussing the topic of suicide, they may feel like we are not able to handle what they have to tell us and may shut us out. Instead, try to reiterate your care and concern. Let them know that you are there for them and you want them to be okay.Ěý
6. Instill hope
Let your student know that there are resources available to help them and things can get better. Here are some resources that are available to help students who are struggling with mental health concerns or thoughts of suicide.Ěý
Emergency services (911)
If your student or someone you know is threatening to eminently kill or harm themselves, call 911 and request emergency mental health support.
Crisis services
If your student is in need of urgent or same-day support, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides crisis support 24/7. Call 303-492-2277 to connect with a triage counselor.Ěý
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to talk confidentially with a trained crisis support worker. They are available 24/7 and calls are answered locally at 988.Ěý
Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
OVA provides free and confidential support, consultation, advocacy and short-term trauma counseling for those who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, disturbing or life-disrupting event. They also offer support for those who are helping a friend, partner or family member through a traumatic experience.Ěý
AcademicLiveCare
If your student is not currently suicidal but may benefit from talking with a therapist sooner rather than later, they can schedule an appointment through AcademicLiveCare (ALC). ThisĚý free telehealth platform allows students to meet virtually with mental health and medical providers from anywhere.Ěý
Let’s Talk
If your student is not currently suicidal but may be struggling, Let’s Talk is a great way to get connected with support services. They can meet one-on-one with a counselor for a confidential consultation that can help them gain insight and connect with additional resources on campus.Ěý
Workshops
If your student is not currently suicidal but may be struggling, workshops are a great way for students to learn coping skills related to anxiety, stress and other painful emotions. Workshops are available throughout the week and are covered by the student mental health fee.Ěý
Don’t Ignore It
Learn about options for confidential reporting, referrals and support. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore it.Ěý
Additional resourcesĚý
Red Folder
Red Folder is designed to help you recognize possible signs of distress, talk to your student about your concerns and help them connect with support resources on campus.Ěý
Student trainings
Students are encouraged to attend mental health training sessions to learn how to better support their fellow Buffs. Trainings are available for Mental Health First Aid, recovery, student leadership and more.Ěý
Signs of depression
Mental health struggles can take a toll on relationships, academics, work performance and quality of life. Here are six signs of depression you shouldn’t ignore and where to find support on campus.
When to seek mental health support
Knowing when and how to seek out mental health support is important, whether your student needs support or wants to help a friend. Here are some guidelines to help determine if your student should seek emergency, urgent or general support for their mental health concerns.Ěý