Suicide Prevention

Suicide can be a challenging and uncomfortable topic to discuss, but reducing isolation and shame while increasing connection and coping are paramount in preventing death from suicide.

Suicide is when a person dies as a result of actions and behaviors they took with the intent to end their own life. Each day in the U.S., an average of three college students die from suicide. That’s three extended families, three constellations of friends, and three campuses forever changed by suicide. 

People of all backgrounds, cultures, and communities can be at risk of suicide, making it a public health risk that truly affects us all. Although suicidal behavior is complex without one singular cause, there are often warning signs and opportunities for early intervention and support.

The Loyola University community - students, staff, and faculty - can make a difference in preventing suicide and supporting students who are struggling. While it is a consistent area of focus for the Counseling Center across campus, every few years, our staff focuses our rotating public health campaign/initiatives specifically on Suicide Prevention. The campaign shares resources that raise awareness about suicide, help us recognize the warning signs of suicide, and provides information about how to get help for yourself or others.

Recognize the Warning Signs

While we cannot predict whether someone will attempt suicide, there are some warning signs to pay attention to:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for ways to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
• Exhibiting anxiety, agitation, or recklessness
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Withdrawing socially or becoming increasingly isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Giving away necessary or cherished personal possessions
• Engaging in communication or behaviors that seem to signal goodbye to people and places

It's also helpful to keep in mind that when someone has experienced chronic depression and begins to show signs of improvement, this may be a time to check as it can also be a time of increased risk.

If you or someone you know is displaying the warning signs listed above or making suicidal statements, contact the Counseling Center at 410-617-2273 or another Emergency Resource.

How To Get Help

If anyone you know, including yourself, is struggling with suicidal thoughts, get help immediately. 

During office hours, call the Counseling Center at 410-617-CARE (2273). For after hours support, call 410-617-5530. If you are with someone at risk and cannot get them to the Counseling Center, don’t leave them alone. Contact one of the above resources or the Department of Public Safety (410-617-5911) and stay with the person until help arrives.

 

Finally, if you are worried about a friend, a roommate, or yourself, visit us any weekday, 8:30am - 5pm, in Humanities Center 150 (up the spiral steps in the turret, near the big curving bench), or check out our web page for Helping a Friend.

We Care. We’re here to help. Let’s Talk.

Helping a Friend

Sometimes we may notice that people are discussing suicide in more colloquial ways that minimize its seriousness. We understand that generational norms include using language in different ways. However, we always want to make space to be open about the presence of suicidal thoughts. It’s important to humanize this experience without minimizing the very real depth of its impact.  Even if friends make comments about suicide casually or jokingly, it’s important to ask them directly if they are having suicidal thoughts. Your asking them will not plant suicidal thoughts in their head (this is a common myth about suicide). Instead, it allows for clarification for you and them on what they mean when expressing certain things. Research shows that asking someone directly if they are having thoughts about suicide often reduces the risk of someone acting on suicidal thoughts/urges because it helps them feel seen and understood.

Consider these tips for helping a friend: 

• Listen Attentively: Show you are actively engaged in the conversation through the use of eye contact, nodding, and minimal encouragers (e.g. “Go on…,”).
• Reflective Communication: Restate or summarize what your friend is saying to demonstrate understanding (e.g. “It sounds like you are feeling…,” “I’m hearing that…”).
• Express Care/Concern: Demonstrate empathy, provide emotional support, and offer encouragement.
• Be Direct: Do not be afraid to ask about suicide. Research shows that asking about suicide does not cause suicide to occur, nor does it “plant the idea in someone’s head.” Bringing up the topic of suicide can provide an opportunity for someone to share about having suicidal thoughts that they may have kept hidden otherwise.
• Acknowlege Their Courage: If someone shares with you that they’ve had suicidal thoughts or opens up in some other vulnerable way, express your gratitude for them doing so. One important way we can support others who are struggling is taking steps to show them they are not a burden by leaning on us or other people.
• Speak up and Seek Support: If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help by contacting the Counseling Center (410-617-2273), After-hours Crisis Line (410-617-5530), or 911.
• Expressing concern and contacting emergency supports helps ensure their safety and well-being. Stay with your friend until they connect with emergency support.

Additional Information for Friends, Peers, Family, Faculty, Staff, and Administrators:

Podcast interview with Dr. John Draper on the importance of “Connection, Collaboration, and Choice” when it comes to suicide crisis response and supporting others during a mental health crisis.

 

Other Resources

• To learn more about suicide prevention, visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• The Jed Foundation: Offers Warning Signs and Guidance on how to help a friend.
• Jason Foundation: The A Friend Asks App is dedicated to the prevention of suicide through educational and awareness programs.
• Please see the emergency contact information page in case of a crisis. 
• Consider joining the Green Bandana Brigade as a mental health advocate to help destigmatize mental health and help peers connect with resources

As part of our suicide prevention efforts, the Counseling Center staff also creates digital and physical posters to display around campus. If Loyola community members are interested in displaying a poster in their office/space, please reach out to our office (410-617-2273) Monday through Friday 8:30am-5pm.

Follow @loyolamd_counselingcenter on Instagram for additional resources and information throughout the semester.