SUICIDE CRISIS

Suicidal crisis most often occurs when life stressors or mental health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Untreated conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse problems increase risk for suicide. A suicidal person may see suicide as the only solution to a set of overwhelming feelings or unbearable circumstances. Therefore, any communication or action regarding suicide crisis should be taken seriously even when it seems minor. Don’t hesitate to consult and connect the student to campus resources as it is difficult to predict when a suicide crisis leads to an attempt. 

Signs:

• Signs of significant emotional distress or disruptive behaviors
• Significant personal losses (death of a loved one, relationship break-up, family problems, changes in physical ability, financial loss, removed from an academic or sports program) 
• Mentions self-harm or shows signs of self-injury (e.g. visible bruises)
• Expressions of concern about a student safety by their peers, friends, classmates or teammates
• Written or verbal statements (emails, assignments etc.) that have a sense of finality, despair, isolation, hopelessness and/or direct suicidal threat
• Disclosure of previous suicide attempts or family history of suicide 
• Impacted by another person’s suicide in the community

What to do:

1. ​​Stay calm and let them know you hear them and want to help.
   To know more about “How to Start the Conversation” please review JED Foundation’s Faculty Guide to Supporting Student Mental Health (page 7)
2. In an emergency, call UPD  (if the threat is clear, direct, and there is a plan involved - clear indication of intent to harm self and has a plan to do so) 
3. Walk the student to CAPSduring business hours (after business hours, encourage the student to call CAPS Crisis Line)
4. Refer the student to the CARE Team, please be aware that these reports are reviewed Monday through Friday 9am-5pm, excluding holidays

Important to remember:   

• Consult with CAPS, Student Support Team or UPD if any communication with a student leaves you feeling unsettled or unsure about a student's safety 
• Take all suicidal communications from a student seriously even if it seems minor 
• Due to privacy laws you may not get information from CAPS or CARE Team after you report the incident but please be assured that you have done everything to ensure student safety 
• Treat each communication from the same student as a new incident even if you have reported previous incident about this student as suicidal crisis may reoccur
• Consider sharing the National Suicide Prevention lifeline (1-800-273-8255 or 988), which is available 24/7/365