Suicide Prevention
Feelings of suicide is not a normal response to stress
Suicide is preventable. Knowing the warning signs is the most effective way to prevent suicide. Signs include:
- Hopelessness
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Notable changes in mood
- Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life
Not all of these signs will be present for every person.
If you notice something, say something
If you witness, hear, or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of those signs, seek help AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Remember to never ignore signs of suicide and do not promise confidentiality if talking with someone about suicidal thoughts or other distressed behavior. The goal is to get help and support for everyone involved, including you.
Asking about suicide
It's a myth that asking about suicide will not cause someone die by suicide. Asking give a person the opportunity to seek help for the thoughts already in their head. Prior to asking, take a breath and recognize that you can ask and save a life. Then, follow these steps:
- Create the moment - Create the moment to ask. It may be a pause in the conversation. The mention of sometime difficult or simply say "I've noticed that you've been seeming" and name a sign that you've seen, like sad or like you've been giving away thing.
- Ask Directly - "Are you thinking about suicide?" or "Are you thinking about taking your own life?" Avoid terms like 'harming yourself' as the person may view suicide as a relief rather than harm.
- If the answer is yes, ask "do you have a plan?"
- If yes, get immediate professional help, such as 1-866-4CRISIS for Crisis Connections in Seattle, 988 for National Hotline or 911 for emergency services. If no, suggest professional support and you can offer the Crisis Connections in Seattle at 1-866-4CRISIS and 988 National Hotline as an immediate resources and refer to CAPS and TimelyCare for support.
- Report to a professional - You do not need to and should not support someone alone. Your Area Coordinator, the SU Dean of Students, Public Safety, and other professionals on campus are here to support you and the person in crisis.