Why People Attempt Suicide: Escaping the Flames The main thing that most people who kill themselves have in common is a belief that suicide is the ONLY solution to their unbearable situation. Many of us have etched in our memories the images of people jumping out of the World Trade Center on 9/11. These people…
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is intended to help users learn about suicide and suicide prevention. It is provided for informational and referral purposes only. The web site should NOT be used as a substitute for medical advice, counseling, or other health-related services or as a replacement for the services of a trained medical or…
Like most public health problems, the prognosis for mental disorders is best when they are detected early in their course of development and subsequently treated appropriately. Unfortunately, sometimes mental illness festers because people are too ashamed to admit they need help. During this time the illness can become catastrophic, like a metastasized cancer. Treating a…
In 35 years of educating young adults, I’ve learned that a sense of perspective often comes last in the maturation process. In the first years of adulthood, discouragement and failure can appear overwhelming and insuperable. It seems to me that older adults can do so much in such situations through simple concern and sensitive support.…
What is social marketing? Definition of Social Marketing: so•ci•al mark•et•ing (noun) the application of marketing techniques that change behaviors with the ultimate goal of contributing to a social good. Social marketing blends the social sciences with business marketing techniques. Social marketing strategies are essentially the same marketing principles that are used to sell products to consumers,…
[There is one clip from a counselor on the DVDs and one from Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison who is a psychologist] Mental Health Services for suicidal people often include some combination of medication and therapy directed at the underlying causes of suicidal thinking. Experts estimate that 90% of people who die by suicide have some…
Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training What is Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training? Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training is like CPR training for mental health crises. Members of a community are taught basic skills to recognize a person at risk of suicide and to connect them to help. Most of the training programs can be implemented as a ½-day…
In order to develop a comprehensive suicide awareness and prevention program, a clear message needs to be sent from those in top positions: suicide prevention is a priority. Leaders on campus must then involve a wide variety of individuals and departments. One way to help ensure success is by involving campus stakeholders and creating partnerships.…
Suicide prevention is about reducing risk factors: debilitating mental illness, isolation, access to lethal means, substance abuse, etc. But we can’t stop there. Suicide prevention is also about mental health promotion. Colleges and universities will function best when we have mentally resilient people. In other words we need to find ways to boost psychological hardiness…
Evaluate Policy In establishing a network of mental health awareness and support, campus professionals must first understand policies that influence these issues. The following are a list of questions that are important to review as a campus or coalition. Does the campus have a policy surrounding procedures for identifying students who may require mental health…
