Suicide Prevention
There is no single cause to suicide. It most often occurs when stressor exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. It is important to remember that most people who actively manage their mental health lead fulfilling lives.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Something to look out for when concerned that someone may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the start of new behaviors. The greatest concern is if the new/changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss or change.
Warning Signs:
| Talk – if a person talks about: | Behavior – things to look out for: | Mood – one or more may be displayed: |
|---|---|---|
| Being a burden
Feeling trapped Experiencing unbearable pain Having no reason to live Killing themselves |
Increase in alcohol or drug use
Looking for a way to kill themselves, looking online for materials or means Isolating from family and friends Sleeping too much or too little Telling people goodbye/giving away possessions Withdrawing from activities Acting recklessly Aggression |
Depression
Loss of interest Rage Irritability Humiliation Anxiety |
Risk Factors
| Health Factors | Environmental Factors | Historical Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Mental health conditions
Substance abuse disorders Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain |
Stressful life events
Prolonged stress factors Access to lethal means Exposure to another person’s suicide or to graphic/sensationalized accounts of suicide |
Previous attempts
Family history of suicide attempts |
Considerations in responding to someone you are concerned about:
- Talk to the person. Express concern.
- Don’t be afraid to address suicide directly. Ask if they ever thought about suicide.
- Listen, show interest, offer support, and take it seriously.
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Always consult with others and seek support.
- Help the person find assistance. Follow up with the person.
- Do not leave the person alone if the person is in immediate or imminent danger, Dial 911.
Resources
Marquette University Counseling Center provides individual short-term counseling to full-time MIAD students free of charge. Therapists provide both one-on-one counseling and group counseling. All services are confidential. The center is open from 8:00am – 4:30pm and is located at 1324 W. Wisconsin Ave. Room 204 of Holtusen Hall. Phone: 414-288-7172. marquette.edu/counseling
On campus students can speak with:
Jennifer Crandall, Associate Dean of Students, RL95
Rebecca Skupien, Student Accessibility Coordinator, RL100B
Marianne Di Ulio, Director of Residential Living and Student Engagement, RL45H
Tony Nowak, Dean of Students, RL45C
Local:
Milwaukee County Crisis Line: 24 hrs/day, 7 days a week. (414) 257-7222
General information on Local Mental Health Services: IMPACT 2-1-1. In Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, Racine, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Jefferson and Walworth counties dial 2-1-1.
Center for Suicide Awareness: For emotional support and resources to help with any struggle before it becomes a crisis, text HOPELINE to 741741. This is a free service provided by the Center for Suicide Awareness.
National:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Common Myths About Suicide:
- “People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.
Not True, people who talk about suicide may be reaching out for help or support. Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide has given some clue or warning.
- “If a person is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them.”
Not True, suicidal people are often ambivalent about living or dying. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, while overpowering, does not last forever.
- “People who die by suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help.”
Not True, studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help within six months of their deaths.
- “Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.”
Not True, you don’t give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. Most people who are contemplating suicide do not know who to speak to – brining up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Facts:
- Nearly half of all college students say they felt that things were hopeless such that they found it difficult to function in the past school year.
- Depression affects 1 out of every 7 Americans. More Americans suffer from depression than coronary heart disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS.
- One in ten college students has considered suicide.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death in college-age students.
