Common Concerns
Suicide Prevention
Potential Warning Signs of Suicide
- Persistent sadness that seems excessive given the person's life situation.
- Inability or unwillingness to communicate with others.
- Psychological changes such as irritability, anxiety or withdrawal.
- Neglect of school work, personal grooming or other routine tasks.
- Changes in physical health such as changes in sleep habits, appetite, weight, or energy level.
- Changes in social behavior such as inability to enjoy usual social activities, sudden and severe change in drug use or sexual activity.
- Personal crises and major losses or rejections.
- Preoccupation with death or preparation for death.
None of these signs alone may necessarily indicate suicidal potential or even depression, but several indicators, particularly if they indicate a change from the person's usual mood and style of coping, deserve close attention. If you have noticed several of these changes in yourself or someone you know, read "Hints for talking with a Suicidal Person" and call the Counselor on Duty (764-8312) for more information.
Hints for Talking with a Suicidal Person
It takes an act of courage and compassion to reach out to the depressed person. Our culture's emphasis on privacy and individual choice make it hard to decide how to intervene if someone seems dangerously depressed. However, a firm and sensitive presentation of your observations and concern about a person may be the most caring thing you can do. Here are a few suggestions about approaching someone you are worried about.
- Tell the person you have noticed a change in his/her behavior. Ask how you can help.
- Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.
- Allow the person to talk and be heard; don't try to "make it all better."
- Don't argue about whether he/she should live or die. Instead, try to listen patiently to feelings.
- Take every suicidal act, threat, or comment seriously.
- Encourage the person to seek professional help; provide phone numbers of CAPS, crisis line, psychiatric emergency room. (CAPS: 764-8312. SOS: 485-3222. Psychiatric Emergencies: 996-4747).
- If the individual refuses to get help, call or visit these offices yourself for support and consultation.
- Be sensitive to your own needs and limits. Dealing with a suicidal person can be an emotional and physical drain.
Visit our office at 3100 Michigan Union to make an appointment.