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Suicide and Depression


While most students who are depressed are not suicidal, most suicidal students are depressed. We encourage you to call CAPS immediately and talk with a crisis walk-in clinician if you are thinking about hurting or killing yourself. Call CAPS at 706-542-2273 to speak with a clinician or just come to CAPS located in the third floor of the University Health Center. If CAPS is closed (see hours of operation), you can access help by calling 706-542-2200 and asking for the CAPS on-call clinician.

If you or someone you know has just made a suicide attempt, it is necessary for you to go directly to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. Call 911. An ambulance will be sent when they are informed about a suicide attempt. If there is someone that can drive you safely to a hospital, that may take less time and result in more effective intervention.

Are You Worried That a Friend or Loved One May be Suicidal?

Seventy-five percent of the people who commit suicide tell someone about it in advance.

Have you heard a friend or loved one say?

  • Take my stuff. I won't need it anymore.
  • There's no point in living.
  • There's nothing I can do to make it better.
  • Nobody understands me. Nobody feels the way that I do.
  • The world will be better off without me.
  • I won't be around to deal with that.
  • Nothing's ever going to change. (feelings of helplessness and hopelessness)

Have you observed?

  • Loss of interest in music, books, or watching movies about death or suicide
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Signs of planning a suicide, such as obtaining a weapon, stockpiling pills, writing farewell letters or e-mails
  • Excessive risk-taking, e.g. abuse of drugs and/or alcohol, reckless driving

If you have heard or seen any of the above, your friend or loved one may be at risk for suicide.

What you can do if you think a friend or loved one may be suicidal:

  • Take it seriously.
  • Listen to your friend or loved one.
  • Voice your concern.
  • Discourage or keep your friend or loved one from using drugs or alcohol. Intoxication will lower impulse control and therefore increase the chances of taking dangerous actions.
  • Tell your RA, a Housing official, or some other responsible person.
  • BRING YOUR FRIEND OR LOVED ONE TO CAPS. IF YOUR FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WON'T COME, CALL 706-542-2273 (706-542-2200 after hours; ask for the clinician on-call)

What not to do when a friend or loved one may be suicidal:

  • Don't assume that the situation will take care of itself. Do take action.
  • Don't be sworn to secrecy. Don't promise confidentiality. Tell someone about your concerns.
  • Don't argue or debate with your friend. Listen with your heart. Express your concern.
  • Don't leave the person alone. Take the person with you to CAPS or call for help.

*Information for this section of the web page was adapted from material provided by the National Depression Screening Day office, One Washington Street, Suite 304, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

Additional Resources

More information on suicide can be found at:

National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention/index.cfm

The JED Foundation
jedfoundation.org/

Ulifeline Student Sign-in
www.ulifeline.org

Depression Screening
Test Your Moods - Online Self Assessment

American Association of Suicidology
www.suicidology.org/

American Psychological Association -- Suicide
www.apa.org/topics/topicsuicide.html

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
www.cdc.gov