Suicide

At some point, thoughts of ending it all- the disappointments, problems, and bad feelings- may cross your mind. This experience isn’t unusual, but if the idea of taking your life persists or intensifies, you should respond as you would to other warning signs of potential threats to your life- by getting the help you need.


Talk to a health professional. If you have a therapist, call immediately. If not, call a suicide hotline:

Saratoga Suicide Hotline 584-9030
The Counseling Center 580-5555
Campus Safety 580-5566

suicide
  • Find someone you can trust and talk honestly about what you’re feeling. If you suffer from depression or another mental disorder, educate trusted friends or relatives about your condition so they are prepared if called upon to help.
  • Write down your more uplifting thoughts. Even if you are despondent, you can help yourself by taking the time to retrieve some more positive thoughts or memories. A simple record of your hopes for the future and the people you value in your life can remind you of why your own life is worth continuing.
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol. Most suicides are the result of sudden, uncontrollable impulses, and drugs and alcohol can make it harder to resist these destructive urges.
  • Go to the hospital. Hospitalization can sometimes be the best way to protect your health and safety.

More than 60% of all people who commit suicide are suffering from depression and/or alcoholism but the sense of utter helplessness and hopelessness may be the most common contributing factors of suicide.

If you have a friend that you are concerned about look for these signs:

  • Talking about suicide
  • Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
  • A preoccupation with death
  • A sudden mood change leaving the person happier or calmer
  • Loss of interest in the things one cares about
  • Visiting or calling people everyone one cares about
  • Making arrangements; setting things in order
  • Giving things away

If you see your friend following these patterns:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask your friend if they are thinking about suicide
  • Encourage your friend to talk and ask concerned questions. Actively listen and show that person that you take their feelings seriously and that you care.
  • List reasons to go on living and challenge their reasons not to
  • Suggest solutions or alternatives to the problem
  • Don’t think that people who talk about suicide never carry out the threat. Take them seriously.
  • Get help from an outside resource like the college Counseling Center, a friend or relative who has gone through a similar experience, a professor that you trust, or an RA in you residence hall.

Make sure you get the person you care about the help they need but remember to take care of yourself too. If you need to talk about your experiences or get some advice on how to be the best resource to your friend you can make an appointment at the Counseling Center by calling 580-5555 or stopping by the office on the first floor of Jonsson Tower.