The end of the semester can be a difficult time for #students. Added pressure to perform well, meet expectations or reach certain milestones can negatively impact the #mentalhealth of many. College #students are at increased risk for #suicide, especially during high-#stress times of the year. Talking about #suicide, even if the conversation is brief, can encourage people who are at risk to seek support.
Here are some tips for staff and faculty who are concerned that a #student may be struggling or thinking about #suicide.
Know the warning signs
While suicides may take us by surprise or feel unexpected, there can be subtle or more obvious signs that precede #suicidalbehaviors. Knowing potential warning signs and ways to intervene can dramatically reduce the risks of #suicidalbehaviors.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Sudden changes in academic performance (e.g. cutting class, missing assignments, etc.)
- Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time (including in class)
- Talking or writing about death, dying or #suicide
- Neglecting their appearance or hygiene
- Increased #alcohol or other #drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family or peer groups
- Engaging in violent or self-destructive #behaviors
- Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or there is no reason to live
- Acting recklessly or engaging in risky #behaviors
- Feeling desperate or trapped, like there is no way out
- Feelings of #hopelessness
- Noticeable decline or worsening of #mentalhealthconditions (e.g. #depression, #anxiety, #bipolardisorder, etc.)
- Giving away possessions
If you notice these warning signs, there are ways you can support #students and help them connect with resources.
Red Folder is a great tool for faculty and staff that walks you through the steps of recognizing concerning #behaviors, reaching out to #students and referring them to additional resources.
Share your concerns
If you’re concerned about a student and feel comfortable talking with them, gently share what you’ve noticed and your desire to help. Try to arrange a time to meet with them privately to discuss your concerns. It can be helpful to provide concrete examples of #behaviors that you’ve noticed. For instance, you may say “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling to keep up with assignments recently” or “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been spending as much time with others in class.” Acknowledging their distress can help open the door for conversation.
If you’re not comfortable approaching a #student with your concerns, consider filling out an online referral for #Student Support and Case Management. Their office can reach out to #students to follow-up and provide additional support. You can also reach out to the health and wellness liaisons within your college for additional support.
Ask the question
When talking with #students, don’t be afraid to ask 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.
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’s likely time to help them connect with #mentalhealthresources on campus.
Listen
Listen to #students without judgment, and resist the urge to give them advice. It’s important to understand our students’ pain and what they’re experiencing. Keep in mind that #suicidalbehaviors are often short-term and situation-specific. In many cases, #suicideideation is an attempt to control or manage significant pain. When the pain subsides, #suicideideation often dissipates with it. However, understanding the source of our students’ pain (e.g. academic pressures, #mentalhealthconcerns, etc.) can help us better support them and connect them with resources.
Manage your emotions
Talking about #suicide can be challenging, especially if a #student says they are considering committing #suicide. 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.
Instill hope
Let #students know that there are resources available to help them and things can get better. Here are some on-campus resources that are available to help #students who are struggling with #mentalhealthconcerns or thoughts of #suicide.
? If you or someone you know is threatening to imminently kill or harm themselves, call 911 and request emergency #mentalhealthsupport.
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Resources for #students
Welfare checks
Welfare checks can be instituted by any #police department if you’re concerned about the health, safety or welfare of someone. Be prepared to give the exact address (residence hall and room number if on campus) as well as the reason for your concerns.
- On campus: CUPD 303-492-6666
- Off campus: Boulder Police 303-441-3333
Emergency/urgent resource
Crisis services
If a #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.
Urgent resource
#Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)
SSCM provides support for #students throughout their time at CU Boulder. They are here to help #students identify issues and appropriate resources. They also work collaboratively with #students to develop an action plan.
Urgent resource
Let’s Talk
If a #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.
Workshops
If a #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 #mentalhealth fee.
Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term counseling services for #students, grad #students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event.
Resources for staff and faculty
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
FSAP provides free short-term counseling to CU Boulder staff and faculty. All FSAP providers are trained as generalist #counselors and are equipped to help you navigate a wide range of personal- and work-related issues.
Available to staff and faculty
Crisis services
If you or a colleague is in need of urgent or same-day support, call the #NationalSuicideHotline at 988 or 800-273-8255 (English) or 888-628-9454 (Spanish).
Available to staff and faculty
Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term counseling services for #students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event.
Available to staff and faculty
#Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)
SSCM provides individualized support to #students. SSCM case managers connect #students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while also building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.
#Student referrals
Health and Wellness liaisons
CU Boulder colleges and schools have access to dedicated teams of liaisons from Counseling and Psychiatric Services, the Office of Victim Assistance and Health Promotion.
#Student referrals
Red Folder
Red Folder provides information on how to recognize signs of distress, tips for responding and how to refer a #student to the appropriate campus resources.
Student referrals
Learn more about faculty and staff resources to help #students
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
