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Thoughts of suicide

If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or others, please contact University Police immediately at 395-2222 for on-campus emergencies, if off campus call 911. Suicide National Hotline is 988.
The common link among people who take their lives by suicide is the belief that suicide is the only solution to a set of overwhelming feelings. The attraction of suicide is that it will finally end these unbearable feelings. The tragedy of suicide is that intense emotional distress often blinds people to alternative solutions...that is why it is so important to seek help and talk through those emotions with a counselor at the Counseling Center.

Sadly, after accidents, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

It is not uncommon to experience feelings of loneliness, depression, helplessness, despair and hopelessness from time to time. The death of a family member, the breakup of a relationship, blows to our self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, struggles with sexual orientation, alcohol and substance abuse, and/or major financial setbacks are serious issues which all of us may have to face at some point in our lives. Because each person's emotional makeup is unique, each of us responds to situations differently. What may seem of minor importance to someone else can be extremely distressful to another.

Regardless of the nature of the crisis, if a person feels overwhelmed, there is danger that suicide may seem to be an attractive solution.

Concerns may include: Thinking about suicide, feeling overwhelmed or hopelessness, a friend told me they want to kill themselves, worried about a friend, considering suicide, thinking of ending your life, friend giving away their valuables.