We’ve all heard about it; gay suicides seem to be sweeping the nation. It’s ironic, given the increasing openness to gay Americans. None the less, Americans were shocked when over the course of one month, six gay teens committed suicide following harassment. The most widely publicized story encircled the death of 19 year old Rutgers University student, Tyler Clementi, who jumped off the George Washington Bridge days after his roommate posted his sexual encounter with another man online. Sexual orientation aside, this distressing news spotlights a very serious issue; suicide.
Suicide.org, an online Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support group, identifies suicide as the second leading cause of death on college campuses; and, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “suicide is the third leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old.” Celebrities have rallied together in support of this issue with the “It Gets Better” campaign; wherein stars, icons, and role models lend words of encouragement to suicidal teens, promising that with perseverance, it gets better.
When asked about this mini-movement, Director of Counseling and Psychological Wellness Services, Trisha Billard, Ph. D., described it as “an important contribution to reach out to those who may feel all alone and desperate, providing hope through identification with role models and others who made it through similar difficult experiences and did not give up.”
So, what can you do? As mentioned above, the key is to provide support and make sure suicidal individuals seek help from a professional. The Counseling and Psychological Wellness Services Center, located on the first floor of the Student Union, is available to students. “Many students are unaware of the support services available to them. There is almost always someone in contact with the student who is aware and realizes that their friend, acquaintance, roommate, classmate is really struggling with depression or anxiety, or is not him or herself in a way that feels like more than a non-professional can help with.” Billard points out.
The problem is that we in America live in a society wherein privacy trumps intervention. We see that friend, roommate or peer and convince ourselves to mind our own businesses because he or she will sort themselves out. This good-intentioned idea can alienate and even influence a suicidal person to finally take their life. Suicide is not a spontaneous act. In fact, suicidal persons will give warning signs to their fatal intentions.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is recognizable by: observable signs of serious depression, increased alcohol and/or other drug use, recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks, threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die, making a suicide plan, giving away prized possessions, sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm, obtaining poisons or medications as a means of killing themselves, and unexpected rage or anger
If you know of anyone who may be considering suicide, the ULifeline Website suggests contacting the Student Counseling Center, Student Health Services, a member of campus staff (Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty), campus religious or spiritual leader, community mental health center, local crisis center or hotlines. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, contact support services.