Suicide Prevention & Warning Signs

Most suicidal people desperately want to live but are unable to find an effective way to cope with their thoughts and feelings. Meanwhile, those close to them are often unaware of the significance of warning signals or are unsure of what to do or say. Learning how to discuss suicide and what to look for may save a life. 

Why do individuals engage in suicidal behaviors? 

There are many reasons why individuals engage in suicidal behaviors. Factors that may contribute to the appearance or increase in suicidal behaviors in college students include: 

• New and unfamiliar environments 
• Difficulties adjusting to new demands and different work loads 
• Lack of adequate social and coping skills
• Academic and social pressures
• Feelings of failure or decreased performance 
• Sense of alienation and lack of social support
• Emerging mental illness or family history of mental illness

The most effective way to prevent suicide is to know the warning signs, take those signs seriously, and know how to respond when you experience them yourself or see them in a friend or classmate. The important thing to remember is that there is hope for people who are suicidal. The following sections will help you know how to be of help to yourself or someone you know who may be at risk for suicide. 

Warning Signs

Warning signs are behaviors or statements indicating that an individual may be a serious risk for suicide or suicidal behaviors. More often than not, those individuals who are contemplating suicide will give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Hence, all suicide threats, gestures, and attempts must be taken seriously. 

Should you witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of the following, get help IMMEDIATELY by contacting Campus Safety at 206-296-5911 or calling King County Crisis Clinic at 206-461-3222. 

• Someone threatening to hurt or kill themselves, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill themselves
• Someone looking for ways to kill themselves by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
• Someone talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person 

Should you witness, hear, or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of the following, seek help AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: 

• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge 
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking 
• Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society 
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time 
• Dramatic mood changes
• Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life