CAMPUS SAFETY INFORMATION SHEET

Going to college can be a difficult transition period in which students may feel lost, lonely, confused, anxious, inadequate, and stressed. These problems may lead to depression which if untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.

If you see someone that needs help, reach out. Ask how they are doing. Be open. Be honest. Get help for them. And follow up.   If you are trying to help someone who is depressed, you can contact the following resources:

Learn the warning signs of suicide so you can identify those who may be suffering.

It should be noted that some people who die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs. Many people hide their depression because there is still a strong social stigma against mental illness. But most people do show suicide warning signs, so we need to be aware and try to spot them in people.

Suicide Warning Signs:

·         Appearing depressed or sad most of the time

·         Feeling hopeless

·         Expressing hopelessness

·         Withdrawing from family and friends

·         Sleeping too much or too little

·         Feeling tired most of the time

·         Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight

·         Making statements such as these:

§         "I can't go on any longer"

§         "I hate this life"

§         "There's no point to life"

§         "Everyone would be better off without me"

§         "Life is not worth living"

§         "Nothing matters anymore"

§         "I don't care about anything anymore"

§         "I don’t want to be here anymore”

§         --And any mention of suicide--

·         Writing notes or poems about suicide or death

·         Acting compulsively

·         Losing interest in most activities

·         Giving away prized possessions

·         Writing a will

·         Facing a perceived "humiliating" situation

·         Facing a perceived "failure"

·         Feeling excessive guilt or shame

·         Acting irrationally

·         Being preoccupied with death or dying

·         Behaving recklessly

·         Irritability

·         Frequently complaining about headaches, stomachaches, etc.

·         Neglecting personal appearance

·         A dramatic change in personal appearance

·         A dramatic change in personality

·         Performing poorly at work or in school

·         Abusing alcohol or drugs

·         Inability to concentrate

Compiled by Florida Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention    http://www.flgov.com/suicide_prevention