“Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among college students,” says Lyss Welding, a Data-driven higher education analyst at BestColleges. At this stage in life, college students may be struggling the most. More likely than not, they are away from family, or trying to survive in a new environment. This means that friends will come and go–or maybe there’s none at all. Many don’t know who to talk to or who to reach out to. What are we doing to help our Andrews University students who are struggling in an undeniably severe way?
Suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2021. Suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes, states the CDC. Suicide has costly effects. If one is unsuccessful, then they can have injuries that will last a lifetime. If they are successful, then family members will experience prolonged grief, guilt, anger, and shock, which can manifest itself into depression or anxiety, maybe even suicidal ideations.
What do we do with these statistics? It is, for one, very important to promote the tools and resources we know are readily available to those suffering. These outlets, according to the SAMHSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, include:
- Dial 911 if there is an immediate risk of self-harm
- Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Talk to a caring professional
- Inquire if they have thoughts of harming themselves. This inquiry won't plant the idea in their mind or increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt.
- Listen without judging and show you care
- Stay with the person or ensure they are in a safe, private place with someone they trust until you can arrange for more help
- Remove any items that could be utilized in a suicide attempt
If you are worried for a friend, it is important to watch the warning signs of suicide. The warning signs in adults may include:
- Talking about or making plans for suicide
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
During Suicide Prevention Month, it is imperative to educate yourself, even if you are not in a current situation involving suicide. Taking the time to learn the signs, risk factors, and available resources for help can save a life down the road. Spreading awareness is also a key factor. This can be on your social media platform, or in your community. This month also reminds us to check in with our loved ones. Reach out to your close friends and family members, especially those who you know are struggling. Let them know that they are not alone.
Andrews University has some resources you can reach out to such as the Counseling and Testing Center (CTC), which offers free counseling services to enrolled undergraduate and graduate students and their spouses. The center can be found in Bell Hall Suite 123, or by phone, at (269) 471-3470. On-campus resources include:
- Campus Safety (269-471-3321)
- The Student Success Center (269-471-6096)
- Campus Ministries (269-471-3211)
- University Medical Specialties (269-473-2222)
- Counseling and Testing Center (269-471-3470)
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.