Suicide Prevention 2015 1
Goal: To prevent suicide Objectives: Increase number of campus gatekeepers Provision of evidence based methodology Identify resources Reduce liability 2
Resource Ready can save lives... Ready? 3
Student Suicide: Suicide is second leading cause of death for people aged 15-24. More than 1,000 college students kill themselves every year. Average of 1 young person every 1 hour and 48 minutes killed themselves. South Dakota ranked 14th in the nation (147 suicide deaths) MT-1, WY-3, ND-12 Mines Students: Counseling cases increased 50 to 250 (over 15 year span) 2014-15 school year: 15 students we know considered suicide seriously 1 students attempted No completions 4
Anxiety & Depression... Most common mental health diagnoses among college students in the nation: A small set back used to mean disappointment, or having a feeling of needing to try harder, NOW there is the perception of perfection in every academic, co-curricular and social endeavor and manifests as anxiety and depression. I m a failure! I can t face my... I am trapped... 5
At Risk Students Minority students Veterans Disabled students* Academic failures* Substance Abusers* Students Facing Legal Troubles* Any Student Experiencing a Significant Life Change* Students with Previous History of Attempts and Depression *56% considered for less than 1 day 6 57.5% were receiving no psychiatric or counseling help
The Many Paths to Suicide Hopeless- Personal Risk Factors ness Substance Abuse Isolation Social/ Relational loss Hx of Trauma or Abuse Environmental Risk Factors Job/ Financial Loss Social & Cultural Risk Factors Lack of social support Demands w/o skills Values Religion Beliefs Previous Attempt Access to Lethal means Mental health Treatment Barriers Family Hx of suicide Contagion effect Stigma to helpseeking Increasing Hopelessness Contemplation of Suicide as Solution WALL OF RESISTANCE 7
What is a Gatekeeper? A person in a student s life who may be in a position to notice the student in distress and intervene with a basic step approach. 8
Warning Signs Trouble eating or sleeping Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc. Expresses hopelessness or feeling trapped, guilty or worthless Withdraws & doesn t interact with others Inappropriate or exaggerated behavior, rage, aggressiveness, outbursts, crying Increased use of alcohol or drugs Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities 9
Urgent Warning Signs Talking or writing about suicide or death. Making final arrangements (giving away prized possessions...) He/she has made a plan to kill him or herself. He/she has the means to kill themselves. 10
What is a Gatekeeper? A person in a student s life who may be in a position to notice the student in distress and intervene with a basic step approach. Step(s)... 11
Talk Listen Connect (TLC) Not school policy. Strategy to use if you are dealing with a distressed student. You can opt to use it. You can also opt to inform counseling services! 12
Concerned for a person s safety... TALK TO THEM. Take the time. I m worried about you I ve noticed you re acting differently Is everything OK? Have you had thoughts of hurting yourself? Are you thinking about suicide? 13
LISTEN TO THEM Let them talk Don t judge - You shouldn t feel Take signs or threat seriously 14
CONNECT THEM TO HELP Don t promise to keep a threat of suicide secret I want you to live. Getting help is strength. I m on your side; we ll get through this. Will you let me help you get help? Will you go with me to get help? Will you promise me not to kill yourself until we ve found some help? 15
Types of Referrals BEST: Hand Delivered Personally take the person to someone who can help. Next Best: Get student s commitment to accept help. You make the arrangements with student present. 16
Other Options - Give student referral information. Get a good faith commitment to seek help. Get promise he/she will not attempt suicide. Tell student you will contact the referral resource to give them a heads up. 17
Resources: 911 (In emergencies) Crisis Care Center (605) 381-2482 800-273-TALK (8255) 1-800-SUICIDE 211 Community Resource Line 18
Additional Resources: Online referral form for student concerns http://studentconduct.sdsmt.edu/forms/ Starfish Online flagging for academic concerns 19
SDSM&T Counseling and ADA Services 394-2416 Megan Reder-Schopp, Director of Counseling and ADA Services: Megan.Reder-Schopp@sdsmt.edu Jeremy Kendall, Counselor: Jeremy.Kendall@sdsmt.edu Nancy Sprynczynatyk, Counselor: Nancy.Sprynczynatyk@sdsmt.edu 20