We believe suicide is preventable. On Sept. 8, Counseling, Disability Support, and Student Wellness encourages you to stop by our table in the Havener Center commemorating World Suicide Prevention Week to pick up ribbons to indicate that you are willing to care and listen. This year’s theme is “Connect, Communicate, Care.” Go to our website for resources and the Ask. Listen. Refer. training to equip you to help others. Communicate your willingness to talk by wearing one of our ribbons the rest of the week. Care for others by using some of these tips when talking:
1. Be yourself. Show you are truly concerned.
2. Be direct and matter of fact.
3. Be patient and calm. Opening up about suicidal thoughts can take a lot of courage.
4. Listen. If someone is willing to talk to you, this is a very good sign.
1. Don’t argue or act combative. Stay away from statements that make people feel bad for having told you their thoughts and feelings.
2. Don’t promise unrealistic answers or solutions.
3. Don’t swear to keep this a secret. When someone’s life is at risk, reach out and seek help.
4. Don’t lecture. A person in crisis does not need to hear your moral, ethical, or religious opinion