Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Knowing the warning signs could help save a life. Knowing the indicators of an impending suicide or suicidal thoughts/behaviors may help save a life. These indicators include the following:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Showing little emotion
- Talking about dying
- Using alcohol or other substances to “feel better”
- Recent crisis or loss of loved one
- Self-harming behaviors
- Threats of suicide
- Having a plan to commit suicide
- Feeling like life is not worth
DO NOT WAIT! Ask for help or refer a friend if you think they are suicidal or have made threats to harm him/herself. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 immediately. Individuals often don’t refer their friends to counseling or reveal their suicide threats out of fear for their relationship, but remember that their life is at stake.
Another excellent resource is the Jed Foundation, a national organization that works to “promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college students.” Concord is linked with the Jed Foundation through a resource called ULifeline.org. ULifeline has many resources to assist students who may be struggling, including a self-evaluation tool, a 24-hour Hotline, Lifeline Chat, Crisis Text Line, Veterans Crisis Line, and more.
Jamie’s Law, passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2015, is aimed at increasing awareness of suicide prevention, including resources available on college campuses. The WV Higher Education Policy Commission created a webpage that lists some of these resources. Click here for more information about Jamie’s Law.
BetterMynd is a FREE telehealth service available 24/7 for all Concord University students. With BetterMynd, CU students have access to counseling and workshop services during traditional counseling center hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) as well as evenings, weekends and during university breaks. For more information, visit the Counseling Center page.
