- Suicide Awareness Week. - More than 32,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year. It is this country's 11th leading cause of death -

- Suicide Awareness - Suicide Awareness WeekWeek

- More than 32,000 people in the More than 32,000 people in the United States die by suicide every United States die by suicide every year. It is this country's 11th leading year. It is this country's 11th leading cause of deathcause of death

- Suicide is the 2Suicide is the 2ndnd leading cause of leading cause of death for college students (- National death for college students (- National Mental Health Awareness Campaign)Mental Health Awareness Campaign)

Concerning Behaviors Concerning Behaviors (precursors to suicidal intent)(precursors to suicidal intent)

Marked change in behaviorMarked change in behavior Deterioration in personal hygiene Deterioration in personal hygiene Depressed or lethargic moodDepressed or lethargic mood Hyperactivity or very rapid speech (mania)Hyperactivity or very rapid speech (mania) Dramatic weight loss or gainDramatic weight loss or gain Strange or bizarre behaviorStrange or bizarre behavior References to suicideReferences to suicide References to homicideReferences to homicide

The Suicidal PersonThe Suicidal Person It is It is not uncommon for individuals to engage not uncommon for individuals to engage

in some degree of suicidal thinkingin some degree of suicidal thinking. . As a member of the faculty or staff, YOU may As a member of the faculty or staff, YOU may

be in contact with persons who have expressed be in contact with persons who have expressed these thoughts to you. these thoughts to you.

It is important that you do not simply overlook It is important that you do not simply overlook these comments, because the person may be these comments, because the person may be reaching out to you.reaching out to you.

Suicidal risk is based on a constellation of Suicidal risk is based on a constellation of cluesclues, not just observing any one clue. , not just observing any one clue.

These clues seem to fall into the following These clues seem to fall into the following categories:categories:

The Suicidal Person

Situational Clues –

Emotional Clues –

Verbal Clues –

Behavioral Clues –

The Suicidal PersonIt is helpful to:

Talk about suicide openly and directly – ASK the QUESTION

Try to sound calm and understanding

Be confident and caring, and know the resources available

Take charge and call or walk the person to Sarah Pemberton (Student Affairs Case Manager), the Counseling Center or UCPD

It is not helpful to:

Sound shocked by anything the person tells you

Emphasize the shock and embarrassment that the suicide would be to the person’s family, before you’re certain that’s not what he/she hopes to accomplish

Ignore comments such as “The world would be better off without me.”

Engage in a philosophical debate on the moral aspects of suicide. You may not only lose the debate, but also the suicidal person

How to ReactOnce you are aware someone is having suicidal Once you are aware someone is having suicidal thoughts it is important to control your reactionsthoughts it is important to control your reactionsTry and remember to:Try and remember to:- Get ! The more support the better.- Get ! The more support the better.- Remain calm- Remain calm- Understand it’s not about you- Understand it’s not about you- Assess the situation- Assess the situation- Don’t ignore warning signs- Don’t ignore warning signs- Listen through the behavior- Listen through the behavior- Don’t become hostile; or escalate the situationDon’t become hostile; or escalate the situation- Don’t leave the student without connecting them to Don’t leave the student without connecting them to the proper resources. the proper resources.

How to ReactHow to React Talk to the person (privately)Talk to the person (privately) Express your concern in behavioral termsExpress your concern in behavioral terms Be nonjudgmentalBe nonjudgmental Listen to content and feelingsListen to content and feelings Give hope, help explore optionsGive hope, help explore options Maintain clear boundariesMaintain clear boundaries Refer to appropriate department/personRefer to appropriate department/person Notify School official Notify School official

StrategiesStrategies

Lower your voice and speak slowlyLower your voice and speak slowly Watch your own body Watch your own body

language/spacelanguage/space Use “I” statementsUse “I” statements Set clear expectations/use behavioral Set clear expectations/use behavioral

termsterms Use empathy/active listeningUse empathy/active listening Acknowledge a problemAcknowledge a problem

Resources on CampusFor Emergency and Immediate Response:

• UC Police Department 9-1-1(non-emergency: ext. 25222)

• Student Affairs Case Manager ext.29354

• Counseling Center

ext. 25531 (includes after hours coverage)

Resources Available Off Campus

Helplines: Riverside Helpline (24hours)

(951) 686-4357

Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center (24 hours) (951) 686-7273

National Suicide Helpline (800) 784-2433

Information contained in this PowerPoint presentation was adapted with permission and in part from a similar presentation done at Ohio State University by their police and student conduct office.