Suicide Information
Warning Signs:
Warning signs may appear to indicate that suicide is a possible choice.
Verbal Clues:
Some verbal signs are direct; others are vague or coded.
- "I'm going to kill myself."
- "What would you think of someone who committed suicide?"
Depression:
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Problems concentrating
- Noticeable loss or gain of weight
- Neglect of personal appearance
- Abrupt change in personality and behavior (unusual withdrawal, aggression or moodiness)
- Increase in alcohol and/or drug use
- Rebellion and hostility
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Appearing sad most of the time
- Sudden drop in school performance
Behavior:
- Previous suicide attempts
- Giving away special possessions
- Vague complaints about health
- Unusual calmness after a loss or period of depression
- Crying
- Suicidal notes, poems, journal or diary entries
Loss/Rejection:
- Loss of a parent, close relative, friend, other significant person or pet
- Loss of self-esteem
- Loss of a job
- Loss of physical health
- Loss of achievement
- Rejection by peers, family, authority figures or other significant persons
How You Can Help:
When you notice one of more of these warning signs, you can help by using the following techniques:
- Develop a relationship with the student or strengthen your present relationship by being available to listen and talk.
- Trust your suspicions. The student may be seriously considering suicide.
- Don't leave the student alone!
- Encourage the student to seek professional guidance. If the student refuses help, contact someone immediately. Maintain contact with the student until help is secured.
- Ask directly about suicide. You will not be "putting thoughts into the person's head." Don't act shocked or scared:
- Are you thinking about hurting yourself or committing suicide?
- When would you do it?
- What would you do?
- What method(s) would you use?
- How available is this method to you?
- Who can you turn to for help?
- When are your family members home?
You can help prevent suicide
Before it's too late
Where you can get help for yourself or others:
If you or someone you know is feeling depressed or having thoughts of suicide, DON'T keep it to yourself. There are people who can help.
University Counseling Services:
(661) 654-3366 during the day, for students only. (evenings & weekends, contact Kern Co. Mental Health)
Student Health Services:
(661) 654-2394
Kern County Mental Health - Crisis Intervention
(661) 868-8000
Or tell someone you know and can trust:
- Walk into the Counseling Center (located in the Health Center)
- A faculty member who will listen and get help
- A resident assistant or residence hall advisor
- A clergy person
- A family member or friend
Acknowledgement
This information was prepared by the Counseling Services of Seton Hall University to assist students
with mental health issues. Information contained herein was gleaned from on-line publications.
If you are in doubt about where to turn for assistance, please feel free to call the
Counseling Center at 661-654-3366