Suicide

Suicide Intervention for Students
Counseling Services
780-4050

Warning Signs:

• Eating and sleeping disturbances
• Pessimism
• Extreme moodiness
• Excessive self criticism
• Difficulty concentrating
• Preoccupation with death (often through music,poetry, journal writing)
• Talk of suicide, death
• Neglects appearance
• Increased hopelessness
• Isolates from friends and family
• Feels life is meaningless
• Gives away possessions
• Puts life in order-makes a will
• Displays sudden improvement after a period of sadness and withdrawal

What to do:

• Show you care
• Listen
• Offer hope
• Take the person seriously
• Ask: “Are you thinking of suicide?”  Don’t get over-involved

Provide resources:

• “UCS is available to speak with you and I can walk you there”
• “Other people sometimes feel this way and UCS has helped”
• “You can call UCS from my office”

If the student refuses help:
Call Counseling Services(780-4050)to consult
Remember, you may have planted
the first seed that there is help available

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds in our state. Once every other week in Maine someone in this age range commits suicide. It is crucial that warning signs are taken seriously and individuals are assisted in getting the help they need. Faculty and staff may be the first people to notice that a student is distressed, and your intervention may save a life. If there is immediate threat of suicide or other violence, call Public Safety at 780-5211. Remember, Counseling Services is always available to consult if you have a concern.

Resources:
University Police 780-5211
Counseling Services 780-4050
106 Payson (Portland)
110 Upton Hall (Gorham)
Statewide Toll Free Crisis Line: 1-888-568-1112
Ingraham Volunteers 774-HELP