Counseling and Consultation
Suicide Prevention
ULifeline
C&C has partnered with a national website, ULifeline, to provide suicide prevention to the ASU student community. ULifeline is a confidential, online resource center for college student mental health and emotional well being. Explore ULifeline to find answers to your questions about mental health, learn the signs and symptoms of emotional problems, take the mental health assessment Self E-valuator and find services on your campus.
People in Crisis
People in a crisis often lose perspective and the ability to solve problems in an organized and realistic manner. They may resort to less effective and less flexible coping responses that can make the crisis worse. Sometimes a crisis is so severe that the person’s ability to cope is overwhelmed, and the individual becomes suicidal. The suicidal person who insists that the suicidal thoughts be kept secret is not dealing constructively with the crisis.
Signs and Symptoms
Most people who are suicidal will communicate their thoughts and feelings, often directly. Suicidal people frequently express helplessness and hopelessness regarding their current stresses and the future. Special “good-bye” statements or actions, such as giving away prized possessions, might also indicate a suicidal crisis.
Depression and Other Risk Factors for Suicide |
Depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
Extreme changes in sleeping patterns
Inattention to appearance
Extreme guilt, self-blame, or feelings of worthlessness
Heightened anxiety
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide |
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Additional Factors that Increase the Risk of Suicide |
Alcohol or other substance abuse
High levels of anger or rage
Recent, overwhelming losses; traumatic stress
Previous suicide attempts
Exposure to someone else’s suicide attempt |
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How to Respond |
| DO |
Listen.
Help the person explore feelings.
Widen options and explore alternatives for problem solving and positive action.
Ask direct questions about the person’s intentions. Ask if the person is considering suicide. Ask if they have a plan.
Communicate your concern for the well being of the person.
Recommend that the person contact a mental health professional or call one yourself |
| DO NOT |
Do not tell them to “go ahead.”
Do not say everything will be all right.
Do not tell them about someone who “has it worse.”
Do not leave the person alone if you believe the risk of suicide is immediate.
Do not swear secrecy to the suicidal person. |
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