The Suicidal Student

It is important to regard all suicidal comments as serious.  Watching for some of the following behaviors will offer clues on the student’s frame of mind.  IF a student exhibits any of the symptoms below, refer him or her to the Counseling Center immediately for assessment. 

• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Expression of extreme hopelessness or guilt
• Sudden mood or behavior changes
• Giving possessions away
• Comments that life isn’t worth the trouble
• Recurrent thoughts or statement about suicide.

Helpful Actions

• Be confident, caring, and prepared to access the available student resources
• If you have an intuition that something is wrong with the student, call the Counseling Center for consultation with professional staff.
• If you believe there is imminent danger, and the student is willing, bring him or her to the Counseling Center.  Call first if possible, 962-3524.
• If it is after hours and the student is cooperative, call a friend, family member or La Grande Police at 911.
• If it is after hours or the student is uncooperative, call La Grande Police at 911.

 Unhelpful Actions

• Becoming involved with the student beyond your levels of expertise or comfort.
• Ignoring comments such as, “I won’t be a problem much longer,” or “Nothing matters; it’s no use.”
• Being too busy to intervene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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