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Suicide PreventionSuicide Prevention

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Question 1Question 1

True or False: Adults between the ages True or False: Adults between the ages of 65 and 70 are more likely to of 65 and 70 are more likely to consider suicide than any other age consider suicide than any other age group. group.

(click the box to select)(click the box to select)

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

Young adults ages 18-24 think about Young adults ages 18-24 think about suicide more than any other age suicide more than any other age group. In fact, 1 out of every 12 group. In fact, 1 out of every 12 college students has made a plan to college students has made a plan to commit suicide at some point during commit suicide at some point during their college career.their college career.

Actually…Actually…

Young adults ages 18-24 think about Young adults ages 18-24 think about suicide more than any other age suicide more than any other age group. In fact, 1 out of every 12 group. In fact, 1 out of every 12 college students has made a plan to college students has made a plan to commit suicide at some point during commit suicide at some point during their college career.their college career.


Approximately how many young Approximately how many young people between the ages of 15 and people between the ages of 15 and 24 die 24 die every dayevery day from suicide? from suicide?

88

99

1010

1111

Correct!Correct!

11 young people between 15 and 24 yours old 11 young people between 15 and 24 yours old commit suicide every day in the United commit suicide every day in the United States. It is ranked as the third leading States. It is ranked as the third leading cause of death for this age group behind cause of death for this age group behind accidents and homicide. For every accidents and homicide. For every completed suicide, it is estimated that there completed suicide, it is estimated that there are between 100 and 200 attempts. Suicide are between 100 and 200 attempts. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of college is the 2nd leading cause of death of college students with 7.5 out of every 100,000 students with 7.5 out of every 100,000 taking their own lives.taking their own lives.


11 young people between 15 and 24 yours old 11 young people between 15 and 24 yours old commit suicide every day in the United commit suicide every day in the United States. It is ranked as the third leading States. It is ranked as the third leading cause of death for this age group behind cause of death for this age group behind accidents and homicide. For every accidents and homicide. For every completed suicide, it is estimated that there completed suicide, it is estimated that there are between 100 and 200 attempts. Suicide are between 100 and 200 attempts. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of college is the 2nd leading cause of death of college students with 7.5 out of every 100,000 students with 7.5 out of every 100,000 taking their own lives.taking their own lives.


Are females or males more likely to Are females or males more likely to complete suicide?complete suicide?

FemalesFemales

MalesMales

Both are Both are the samethe same

Correct!Correct!

In 2001, males 20 to 24 were In 2001, males 20 to 24 were approximately 6.6 times more likely approximately 6.6 times more likely than females to commit suicide and than females to commit suicide and males 15 to 19 were 4.8 times more males 15 to 19 were 4.8 times more likely than females to commit suicide. likely than females to commit suicide. However, females are almost twice as However, females are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide and suicide is likely to attempt suicide and suicide is the leading threat to life for college the leading threat to life for college women.women.


In 2001, males 20 to 24 were In 2001, males 20 to 24 were approximately 6.6 times more likely approximately 6.6 times more likely than females to commit suicide and than females to commit suicide and males 15 to 19 were 4.8 times more males 15 to 19 were 4.8 times more likely than females to commit suicide. likely than females to commit suicide. However, females are almost twice as However, females are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide and suicide is likely to attempt suicide and suicide is the leading threat to life for college the leading threat to life for college women.women.


True or False: It’s better to not talk True or False: It’s better to not talk about suicide with someone who may about suicide with someone who may be thinking about it because you’ll be thinking about it because you’ll just encourage them. just encourage them.

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

Having a serious, compassionate Having a serious, compassionate conversation without passing judgment conversation without passing judgment shows that you are concerned for the shows that you are concerned for the person’s well-being and want to understand person’s well-being and want to understand their pain. When talking with someone their pain. When talking with someone about suicide, keep an open mind to their about suicide, keep an open mind to their problems and feelings, but don’t pretend problems and feelings, but don’t pretend you have all the answers. Asking someone you have all the answers. Asking someone openly if they are thinking of killing openly if they are thinking of killing themselves will not push them over the themselves will not push them over the edge. The best thing you can do is to help edge. The best thing you can do is to help the person connect with UConn resources.the person connect with UConn resources.


Having a serious, compassionate conversation Having a serious, compassionate conversation without passing judgment shows that you are without passing judgment shows that you are concerned for the person’s well-being and concerned for the person’s well-being and want to understand their pain. When talking want to understand their pain. When talking with someone about suicide, keep an open with someone about suicide, keep an open mind to their problems and feelings, but mind to their problems and feelings, but don’t pretend you have all the answers. don’t pretend you have all the answers. Asking someone openly if they are thinking Asking someone openly if they are thinking of killing themselves will not push them over of killing themselves will not push them over the edge. The best thing you can do is to the edge. The best thing you can do is to help the person connect with UConn help the person connect with UConn resources.resources.


True or False: There is usually one True or False: There is usually one sudden and traumatizing event that sudden and traumatizing event that leads a person to attempt suicide. leads a person to attempt suicide.

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

While there may be a single event that triggers a While there may be a single event that triggers a person to attempt suicide, a person person to attempt suicide, a person contemplating suicide typically has a history of contemplating suicide typically has a history of depression, alienation, low self-esteem, stress, depression, alienation, low self-esteem, stress, and/or hopelessness. Among college students, and/or hopelessness. Among college students, those with a history of a significant and chronic those with a history of a significant and chronic mental health conditions pose the highest risks. mental health conditions pose the highest risks. The transition to a new environment, academic The transition to a new environment, academic and social pressures, cultural pressures, feelings and social pressures, cultural pressures, feelings of failure or decreased performance, a sense of of failure or decreased performance, a sense of alienation, and lack of coping skills can cause the alienation, and lack of coping skills can cause the appearance of or increase the symptoms for appearance of or increase the symptoms for suicide.suicide.


While there may be a single event that triggers a While there may be a single event that triggers a person to attempt suicide, a person person to attempt suicide, a person contemplating suicide typically has a history of contemplating suicide typically has a history of depression, alienation, low self-esteem, stress, depression, alienation, low self-esteem, stress, and/or hopelessness. Among college students, and/or hopelessness. Among college students, those with a history of a significant and chronic those with a history of a significant and chronic mental health conditions pose the highest risks. mental health conditions pose the highest risks. The transition to a new environment, academic The transition to a new environment, academic and social pressures, cultural pressures, feelings and social pressures, cultural pressures, feelings of failure or decreased performance, a sense of of failure or decreased performance, a sense of alienation, and lack of coping skills can cause the alienation, and lack of coping skills can cause the appearance of or increase the symptoms for appearance of or increase the symptoms for suicide.suicide.


True or False: It is impossible to tell if True or False: It is impossible to tell if someone intends to commit suicide.someone intends to commit suicide.

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!Although individuals thinking about suicide may not Although individuals thinking about suicide may not

share their intentions, there are numerous warning share their intentions, there are numerous warning signs that are commonly exhibited and recognizable.signs that are commonly exhibited and recognizable.– Sudden worsening or lack of interest in school assignmentsSudden worsening or lack of interest in school assignments– Fixation on death or violenceFixation on death or violence– Unhealthy peer relationships such as individuals with no Unhealthy peer relationships such as individuals with no

friends or suddenly rejecting close friendsfriends or suddenly rejecting close friends– Significant mood swings or a sudden changes in personalitySignificant mood swings or a sudden changes in personality– Involvement in a physically and/or emotionally abusive Involvement in a physically and/or emotionally abusive

relationshipsrelationships– An eating disorderAn eating disorder– Significant difficulty adjusting to a gender identity or sexual Significant difficulty adjusting to a gender identity or sexual

orientationorientation– Withdrawing from extracurricular activitiesWithdrawing from extracurricular activities– Overreaction to criticismOverreaction to criticism– Restlessness and agitationRestlessness and agitation– Unprovoked episodes of cryingUnprovoked episodes of crying– Sudden neglect of appearance and hygieneSudden neglect of appearance and hygiene– Increased use of alcohol or other drugsIncreased use of alcohol or other drugs

Actually…Actually…• Although individuals thinking about suicide may not Although individuals thinking about suicide may not

share their intentions, there are numerous warning share their intentions, there are numerous warning signs that are commonly exhibited and recognizable.signs that are commonly exhibited and recognizable.– Sudden worsening or lack of interest in school assignmentsSudden worsening or lack of interest in school assignments– Fixation on death or violenceFixation on death or violence– Unhealthy peer relationships such as individuals with no Unhealthy peer relationships such as individuals with no

friends or suddenly rejecting close friendsfriends or suddenly rejecting close friends– Significant mood swings or a sudden changes in personalitySignificant mood swings or a sudden changes in personality– Involvement in a physically and/or emotionally abusive Involvement in a physically and/or emotionally abusive

relationshipsrelationships– An eating disorderAn eating disorder– Significant difficulty adjusting to a gender identity or sexual Significant difficulty adjusting to a gender identity or sexual

orientationorientation– Withdrawing from extracurricular activitiesWithdrawing from extracurricular activities– Overreaction to criticismOverreaction to criticism– Restlessness and agitationRestlessness and agitation– Unprovoked episodes of cryingUnprovoked episodes of crying– Sudden neglect of appearance and hygieneSudden neglect of appearance and hygiene– Increased use of alcohol or other drugsIncreased use of alcohol or other drugs

There are also certain signs that can indicate a person There are also certain signs that can indicate a person is planning on attempting suicide soon.is planning on attempting suicide soon.– Stating that one plans to kill him- or herselfStating that one plans to kill him- or herself– Talking or writing about suicide or deathTalking or writing about suicide or death– Statements such as:Statements such as:

• I wish I was deadI wish I was dead• You will be better off without meYou will be better off without me• What’s the point of living?What’s the point of living?• You wont have to worry about me soonYou wont have to worry about me soon• Who cares if I’m dead?Who cares if I’m dead?

– Choosing seclusion rather than spending time with friendsChoosing seclusion rather than spending time with friends– Saying that life is meaninglessSaying that life is meaningless– Giving away important possessionsGiving away important possessions– Obtaining a weapon or other means of harming oneself Obtaining a weapon or other means of harming oneself

(including prescription medication)(including prescription medication)

These are not sure indicators of whether someone These are not sure indicators of whether someone intends on harming him- or herself, but these intends on harming him- or herself, but these warning signs can be a sign of a serious problem and warning signs can be a sign of a serious problem and recognizing them moves you one step closer to recognizing them moves you one step closer to helping.helping.


How many suicides are estimated to How many suicides are estimated to occur on college and university occur on college and university campuses in the United States every campuses in the United States every year? year?

700700

900900

11001100

13001300

15001500

Correct!Correct!

1100 deaths occur every year on 1100 deaths occur every year on college campuses as a result of college campuses as a result of suicide.suicide.


1100 deaths occur every year on 1100 deaths occur every year on college campuses as a result of college campuses as a result of suicide.suicide.

Question 8Question 8Male college students under the age of Male college students under the age of

21 of which two ethnic groups are at 21 of which two ethnic groups are at a higher risk for suicide attempts and a higher risk for suicide attempts and suicide ideation?suicide ideation?

African American and HispanicAfrican American and Hispanic

White and AsianWhite and Asian

Hispanic and AsianHispanic and Asian

Native American and WhiteNative American and White

Asian and African AmericanAsian and African American

Correct!Correct!

Hispanic and Asian males under the Hispanic and Asian males under the age of 21 are at a higher risk of age of 21 are at a higher risk of attempting suicide and considering it attempting suicide and considering it as an option.as an option.


Hispanic and Asian males under the Hispanic and Asian males under the age of 21 are at a higher risk of age of 21 are at a higher risk of attempting suicide and considering it attempting suicide and considering it as an option.as an option.


True or False: Once a person has True or False: Once a person has started thinking about suicide, started thinking about suicide, there is little one can do to change there is little one can do to change his or her mind.his or her mind.

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

Many people considering suicide have Many people considering suicide have not made a final decision on whether not made a final decision on whether they want to live or die. Talking with they want to live or die. Talking with them about it shows that someone them about it shows that someone cares and can encourage them to get cares and can encourage them to get the help they need.the help they need.


Many people considering suicide have Many people considering suicide have not made a final decision on whether not made a final decision on whether they want to live or die. Talking with they want to live or die. Talking with them about it shows that someone them about it shows that someone cares and can encourage them to get cares and can encourage them to get the help they need.the help they need.

Question 10Question 10If you or someone you know is thinking about If you or someone you know is thinking about

attempting suicide, where on campus can attempting suicide, where on campus can you go for help?you go for help?

Your RA or Hall DirectorYour RA or Hall Director

Your advisorYour advisor

Counseling CenterCounseling Center

Health CenterHealth Center

All of the aboveAll of the above

Correct!Correct!

All of these people and offices have All of these people and offices have resources available to you, however if resources available to you, however if you suspect someone is in immediate you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Remember, you can’t danger, call 911. Remember, you can’t be expected to do the job of a be expected to do the job of a professional and you must never professional and you must never promise to keep someone’s desire to promise to keep someone’s desire to commit suicide to yourself. You’re not in commit suicide to yourself. You’re not in this alone.this alone.


All of these people and offices have All of these people and offices have resources available to you, however if resources available to you, however if you suspect someone is in immediate you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Remember, you can’t danger, call 911. Remember, you can’t be expected to do the job of a be expected to do the job of a professional and you must never professional and you must never promise to keep someone’s desire to promise to keep someone’s desire to commit suicide to yourself. You’re not in commit suicide to yourself. You’re not in this alone.this alone.


True or False: If someone you and your True or False: If someone you and your friends know is considering suicide, friends know is considering suicide, it is best to not confront the person it is best to not confront the person all together?all together?

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

It is much better to talk with the person It is much better to talk with the person alone and in a comfortable, private alone and in a comfortable, private setting. Approaching someone as a setting. Approaching someone as a group can make the person feel group can make the person feel ganged-up on and may not allow them ganged-up on and may not allow them to speak as freely as they would if it to speak as freely as they would if it were just the two of you. If you feel were just the two of you. If you feel that you need support, ask a campus that you need support, ask a campus resource.resource.


It is much better to talk with the person It is much better to talk with the person alone and in a comfortable, private alone and in a comfortable, private setting. Approaching someone as a setting. Approaching someone as a group can make the person feel group can make the person feel ganged-up on and may not allow them ganged-up on and may not allow them to speak as freely as they would if it to speak as freely as they would if it were just the two of you. If you feel were just the two of you. If you feel that you need support, ask a campus that you need support, ask a campus resource.resource.

Question 12Question 12Which is Which is notnot the right way to ask someone if the right way to ask someone if

he or she is thinking about suicide?he or she is thinking about suicide?A.A. ““Have you been unhappy lately?”Have you been unhappy lately?”B.B. ““You wouldn’t do anything stupid would you?”You wouldn’t do anything stupid would you?”C.C. ““It sounds like you are feeling really upset It sounds like you are feeling really upset

and worried… Are you thinking about and worried… Are you thinking about suicide?”suicide?”

D.D. ““Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?”never wake up?”

E.E. ““Sometimes when people are upset as you Sometimes when people are upset as you seem to be, they wish they were dead. I’m seem to be, they wish they were dead. I’m concerned… Do you feel that way too?”concerned… Do you feel that way too?”

F.F. ““You’re not suicidal, are you?”You’re not suicidal, are you?”G.G. Both A and CBoth A and CH.H. Both B and FBoth B and FI.I. Both C and DBoth C and DJ.J. None of the aboveNone of the above

Correct!Correct!

Belittling someone or implying that she Belittling someone or implying that she or he is crazy can make it seem like or he is crazy can make it seem like you do not think their thoughts and you do not think their thoughts and feelings are legitimate. You can ask feelings are legitimate. You can ask the question as directly or indirectly the question as directly or indirectly as you feel comfortable, but choose as you feel comfortable, but choose your words carefully and remember your words carefully and remember to keep an open mind.to keep an open mind.


Both Both “you wouldn’t do anything stupid would “you wouldn’t do anything stupid would you?”you?” and and “you’re not suicidal, are you?” “you’re not suicidal, are you?” are not the right ways to ask. Belittling are not the right ways to ask. Belittling someone or implying that she or he is crazy someone or implying that she or he is crazy can make it seem like you do not think can make it seem like you do not think their thoughts and feelings are legitimate. their thoughts and feelings are legitimate. You can ask the question as directly or You can ask the question as directly or indirectly as you feel comfortable, but indirectly as you feel comfortable, but choose your words carefully and remember choose your words carefully and remember to keep an open mind.to keep an open mind.


True or False: It is okay to try to True or False: It is okay to try to persuade someone not to attempt persuade someone not to attempt suicide? suicide?

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

Trying to get someone to promise they Trying to get someone to promise they will not harm themselves can show that will not harm themselves can show that you truly care about them. When you truly care about them. When talking to him or her, it is okay to say talking to him or her, it is okay to say that you want them to live and that that you want them to live and that they have you to lean on. Offer to be they have you to lean on. Offer to be there for them and to help them get there for them and to help them get help. Remember, just being a willing help. Remember, just being a willing and supportive listener can make a big and supportive listener can make a big difference.difference.


Trying to get someone to promise they Trying to get someone to promise they will not harm themselves can show that will not harm themselves can show that you truly care about them. When you truly care about them. When talking to him or her, it is okay to say talking to him or her, it is okay to say that you want them to live and that that you want them to live and that they have you to lean on. Offer to be they have you to lean on. Offer to be there for them and to help them get there for them and to help them get help. Remember, just being a willing help. Remember, just being a willing and supportive listener can make a big and supportive listener can make a big difference.difference.


True or False: If you think someone is True or False: If you think someone is in immediate danger, but are not in immediate danger, but are not sure, it is best to call a professional sure, it is best to call a professional such as a counselor before calling such as a counselor before calling emergency personnel?emergency personnel?

TrueTrueFalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

If you think there is an immediate danger to a If you think there is an immediate danger to a person’s life or safely, call 911 person’s life or safely, call 911 right a wayright a way. . Immediate danger means that the person…Immediate danger means that the person…

•has already injured him or herselfhas already injured him or herself

•has taken an overdosehas taken an overdose

•has a weapon and is threatening to use ithas a weapon and is threatening to use it

• is on a ledge, open stairway, rooftopis on a ledge, open stairway, rooftop

• is exhibiting other dangerous behavioris exhibiting other dangerous behavior

Mere seconds can make all the difference, Mere seconds can make all the difference,

so go with your instinct.so go with your instinct.


If you think there is an immediate danger to a If you think there is an immediate danger to a person’s life or safely, call 911 person’s life or safely, call 911 right a wayright a way. . Immediate danger means that the person…Immediate danger means that the person…

•has already injured him or herselfhas already injured him or herself

•has taken an overdosehas taken an overdose

•has a weapon and is threatening to use ithas a weapon and is threatening to use it

• is on a ledge, open stairway, rooftopis on a ledge, open stairway, rooftop

• is exhibiting other dangerous behavioris exhibiting other dangerous behavior

Mere seconds can make all the difference, Mere seconds can make all the difference,

so go with your instinct.so go with your instinct.


True or False: Once I start to help True or False: Once I start to help someone who is considering someone who is considering suicide, he or she becomes my suicide, he or she becomes my responsibility?responsibility?

TrueTrue

FalseFalse

Correct!Correct!

Your concern for a person’s wellbeing shows Your concern for a person’s wellbeing shows them that you care and are willing to help them that you care and are willing to help them get help. You are not, nor should you them get help. You are not, nor should you ever be, responsible for making sure ever be, responsible for making sure someone does not harm him or her self. someone does not harm him or her self. Always seek support from a professional. Always seek support from a professional. Helping someone considering suicide can Helping someone considering suicide can be emotionally draining for you too and it is be emotionally draining for you too and it is okay to talk with someone about what you okay to talk with someone about what you are going through physically and are going through physically and emotionally. Don’t forget to take care of emotionally. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!yourself!


Your concern for a person’s wellbeing shows Your concern for a person’s wellbeing shows them that you care and are willing to help them that you care and are willing to help them get help. You are not, nor should you them get help. You are not, nor should you ever be, responsible for making sure ever be, responsible for making sure someone does not harm him or her self. someone does not harm him or her self. Always seek support from a professional. Always seek support from a professional. Helping someone considering suicide can Helping someone considering suicide can be emotionally draining for you too and it is be emotionally draining for you too and it is okay to talk with someone about what you okay to talk with someone about what you are going through physically and are going through physically and emotionally. Don’t forget to take care of emotionally. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!yourself!

SourcesSources

• American Association of Suicidology (2004), American Association of Suicidology (2004), Youth Youth Suicide Fact SheetSuicide Fact Sheet, , http://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/Youthttp://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/Youth2004.pdf.h2004.pdf.

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center (2005), Suicide Prevention Resource Center (2005), Information Information for College Studentsfor College Students, , http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/customized/collhttp://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/customized/college_student.asp.ege_student.asp.

The Jed Foundation (2005), The Jed Foundation (2005), Suicide and America’s YouthSuicide and America’s Youth, , http://www.jedfoundation.org/articles/SuicideStatistics.phttp://www.jedfoundation.org/articles/SuicideStatistics.pdf.df.

• University of Connecticut (2008). QPR Training.University of Connecticut (2008). QPR Training.• University of Connecticut (2007), University of Connecticut (2007), Helping Students in Helping Students in

DistressDistress, pg. 8., pg. 8.