Suicide Prevention at UO

 

Concerned About a Friend or Family Member...

DO:

• Talk with your friend in private. This helps set the stage & may help minimize embarrassment or guardedness.
• Openly acknowledge that you are aware of their distress.
• Speak directly and honestly and acknowledge you are sincerely concerned about their welfare.
• Take your friend seriously - 80% of persons who die by suicide give warning of intent.
• Be available to listen, talk, be concerned, and refer to resources.
• Directly ask if your friend has been thinking about suicide. Asking this question WON'T increase their risk.
• Feel free to talk with someone else (e.g., RA, campus counselor) about your concerns to get ideas and support.
• Listen carefully to why your friend is troubled.
• Try to see the issue from their view without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing.
• Attempt to identify the problem and explore options to deal with the problem.
• Convey realistic hope that underlying problems or issues can be resolved.
• Take care of yourself as the helper – be sure to reach out for emotional support. In a crisis, consider options for restricting the person's access to lethal means, e.g., pills, knives.
• Let your friend know that effective help is available on campus.

 

DON'T:

• Don't ignore behavior or changes that concern you.
• Don't minimize the situation or depth of feeling, e.g.,"It can’t be that bad . . . it will be much better tomorrow."
• Don’t worry about saying the wrong thing. It’s fine to acknowledge that you may not have all the answers. Your genuine interest and support is what matters.
• Don't over commit yourself and not be able to deliver on what you promise.
• Don't promise to keep what they say a secret. You may need to get help & support.
• Don't ignore your limitations, such as trying to help in ways that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Don’t leave your friend alone if they are imminently suicidal.
• Don’t feel that you are alone. Others on campus are happy to assist you.

 

Counseling staff are available for consultation — 346-3227 (M – F, 8 – 5)

Self-help websites & Other Suicide Information:

www.ulifeline.org, www.halfofus.com & www.suicide.org

 

 

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