Suicide Prevention at UO
The Truth About Suicide...
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts,
You are not alone-even though it may feel that way
- In a year, nearly 40% of college students will report feeling so depressed that it's difficult to function.
- 5-10% will report thoughts of suicide.
- Most suicidal people don’t want to die—they just want the pain to end.
- Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. But many suicidal people develop tunnel vision & can’t see the alternatives that exist for them.
Concerned about a friend or family member, click here.
Why suicide?
People have different reasons for thinking about suicide:
- Some see suicide as a way to escape problems.
- Others see suicide as a way to end insufferable pain.
- Some people hate themselves and think they deserve to die.
- Others see themselves as a burden to loved ones.
- Some see suicide as a way to test the love of others or get revenge.
- Suicidal feelings are often a sign that something about a person’s life needs to change. This change, however, need not require ending one’s life.
Whatever your motivation for thinking about suicide, you can help yourself if you —
- Reach out to a friend, family member, resident advisor, mentor or spiritual advisor.
- Avoid alcohol & other substances. Alcohol feeds depression and can increase the risk of impulsive behavior.
- Engage in activities that you enjoyed in the past, even if it takes some effort to do so.
- Keep in mind that no matter how dark it seems, there are other solutions and ways to get relief from your pain.
WE WANT TO HELP YOU FIND HOPE AND A WAY TO COPE WITH YOUR PROBLEMS.
UO’s Counseling Center offers effective counseling that can help you create (or re-create) a life worth living.
Counseling is confidential and free to UO students.
You can drop in (Monday – Friday, 1pm-4pm) or call 346-3227 for an appointment.
While intense emotional stress can blind people to alternative solutions to suicide — other solutions are almost always available. We will work with you to find solutions that are meaningful to you.
UO Resources:
- Counseling & Testing Center - (541) 346-3227
- University Health Center - (541) 346-2770
- Office of Student Life - (541) 346-3216
- Emergency (Campus Only, 24 hours) - (541) 346-6666
- UO Crisis Center (evening / weekend) - (541) 346-4488
Self-help websites & Other Suicide Information:
www.ulifeline.org, www.halfofus.com & www.suicide.org
24-hour Community Crisis Resources Include:
- Eugene Emergency - 911
- White Bird Clinic - (541) 687-4000
- CAHOOTS - (541) 682-5111
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Help is available. All you have to do is take the first step. Talk to someone.
UO is part of the Oregon University Suicide Prevention Project, a grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) to reduce the risk of suicide in Oregon university students. For more information about that project, visit http://counseling.uoregon.edu/OUSPP.htm. For more information about depression, suicide and college students, visit the SPRC or the Jed Foundation