Topic - Suicide Facts & Prevention

If you are in crisis right now please call 911 or click on this sentence for more resources.

 

Any talk of suicide by a friend or loved one should be taken seriously and help should be sought immediately. Depression and thoughts of suicide can impact a person's life in many different ways. Not everyone experiences depression and suicidal tendencies in the same way.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service that is available 24/7. Anyone can access the Lifeline by calling 988 (multiple languages available), texting a message to 988 (English only), or using the chat feature at 988lifeline.org (English only).24 hour

Depression and suicide have many common warning signs including

• Sadness or anxiety
• Feeling of guilt, helplessness or hopelessness
• Trouble eating or sleeping
• Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
• Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Anger
• Excessive irritability
• Excessive impulsivity

Specific signs of potential suicide include

• Talking openly about committing suicide
• Talking indirectly about "wanting out" or "ending it all"
• Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
• Giving away personal possessions
• Depression alone or in combination with aggressive behavior, substance abuse and/or anxiety is found in over half of all suicides.

Suicide can be also be triggered by a number of things including

• Stressful events, such as a failed exam or failure to get a job
• Crises in significant social or family relationships
• Interpersonal losses
• Changes in body chemistry
• High levels of anger or anxiety

How to help a friend

If you notice any of the above warning signs in a friend or loved one, you have reason to be concerned. There are ways that you can be helpful to a friend or loved one who is at risk.

• Be honest and express your concerns. For example, "You seemed really down lately. Is something bothering you?"
• Ask directly about thoughts of suicide. For example, "Have you thought of hurting yourself?" If suicidal thoughts are expressed, it is important to contact Counseling Services (715-425-3884), University Police (715-425-3133), MHealth Fairview Clinic in River Falls (715-425-6701) or 911
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service that is available 24/7. Anyone can access the Lifeline by calling 988 (multiple languages available), texting a message to 988 (English only), or using the chat feature at 988lifeline.org (English only).24 hour
• Listen and offer emotional support, understanding and patience.
• Convey the message that depression is real, common, and treatable.
• Offer to accompany your friend to see a counselor.

View Suicide Facts & Prevention Links

Northwest Connections Crisis Line: 888-552-6642

24 hour Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741

National Mental Health Association:  1-800-273-TALK (8255)

National Institute of Mental Health:  1-800-273-TALK (8255)

American Foundation of Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

 

 

Page Updated Fall 2023