National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call, Text or Chat
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. A recent survey of college students indicated that 7% seriously considered suicide, and 1.5% actually attempted suicide (American College Health Association, 2013). If you feel suicidal, please know that you are not alone, and help is available 24/7 call, text or chat to 988. You may also call 911 or go directly to the hospital emergency room.
Although the statistics seem grim, most people who experience suicidal thoughts do move past the experience and lead a normal life. If you are having thoughts of suicide, help is available at the Wellness Center during business hours (9:00-4:00). Contact Counseling Services at 406-447-5441 or come directly to the Wellness Center. Outside of those hours, please call on-call Res Life, available any time day or night (406-459-0540). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available for mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or if you just need someone to talk to. You are not alone.
Some Suicide Risk Factors (from 988lifeline.org)
- Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical illnesses
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Family history of suicide
- Job or financial loss
- Loss of relationship(s)
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of suicide
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
Some Suicide Warning Signs (from 988lifeline.org)
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
Alcohol and other drugs increase the risk of suicide when the warning signs are present. If you believe a person is in imminent danger, do not leave him/her alone. Call 911.
How to Help a Friend using QPR
Question: Ask the question, even if it’s difficult.
- Less direct approaches: Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and not wake up?…Sometimes when people are very unhappy, they think about hurting themselves? Do you ever feel that way?”
- More direct approaches: Are you thinking about suicide?...Are you thinking of hurting yourself?
Asking someone about suicide DOES NOT increase their risk or plant the idea in their mind. In fact, it may be a relief to be given permission to talk about it.
Persuade: Listen and offer hope.
- Your goal in this step is to persuade the person to get help. In order to be successful, you must first listen without judgment and focus on hope. “I know you are in a difficult situation right now, but with help, I believe there will be other options…I want you to stay alive…Can I help you get help?
Refer: Get the person to a higher level of help. Provide as much support as you can (make the phone call, walk the person to Counseling Services, etc.)
- Carroll College Resources
- Counseling Services (406) 447-5441 (Basement of Guad Hall)
- On-Call Res Life Staff (406) 459-0540
- 988 and 911
- St. Peter’s Hospital Emergency Room (406) 444-2150 2475 Broadway Ave, Helena MT
What if my friend refuses to get help?
Don’t keep secrets about suicide. If you feel that your friend is in imminent danger, call one of the numbers listed above. Always take suicidal statements seriously.