Get Serious About Suicide Prevention
Educating yourself and others on suicide and ways to help someone in distress is key to addressing this issue:
- 1 in 10,000 young adults (age 18 to 25) successfully commit suicide each year in the US
- Most people will contemplate ending their own life at some point in their lives
- College students are less likely to successfully commit suicide compared to same age peers not in college
Not everyone that is in distress is suicidal. However, it is important to look out for warning signs of a struggling friend or peer. Reaching out to a friend in need and providing emotional support by way of listening can be invaluable. If you are concerned that they are thinking about suicide, the best way to address your concerns is to tell them you are concerned and ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. Many people hesitate, fearing that by asking directly they may offend someone or worse, give them the idea if they haven’t already considered it. While it may feel awkward, it is ALWAYS better to talk directly about your concern and desire to help.
If you learn that anyone is seriously thinking about suicide, or if you are left with concerns after talking directly with someone in distress, please call CaPS immediately, any time.