You Too Can Save A Life

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people (ages 15-24). Every year 6,211 youth in this age group die by suicide, despite suicide being preventable in many instances. How can you help?

Take action and talk with the person you are concerned about. You don’t need to be a superhero to save a life. In fact, students just like you are reaching out to help others when they need it most.

As we work our way through the Fall semester, it is natural for students to have a transitionary period of adjusting to a new schedule, routine, environment, and even friendships, now more than ever. Many of us are struggling with isolation, working or studying remotely, anxiety about the future, staying healthy during a pandemic, or concerns over finances, and more.

Recognizing possible clues and/or warning signs in others is the first step. These may include:

• depression, hopelessness
• increased anxiety or altered mood,
• increased alcohol or drug use
• death of a close friend, family member or loved one
• a significant change in one’s environment or situation that leads to increase stressors
• a significant behavior change
• previous suicide attempt

If the thought ever crosses your mind that someone is considering suicide, it’s important to act quickly. Ask the person how things are going, listen to them, avoid judgement, and let them know they are not alone. Encourage your friend to talk more with you, or with someone they feel comfortable confiding in. That may mean getting them to someone who is trained to help.

The University of Arizona has many resources for students, including Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) at Campus Health, which remains open and continues to support students. Please call CAPS at (520) 621-3334 prior to going into the office, and click here for more information about how CAPS can help.

If you’d like to learn more about how you too can help prevent suicide, consider attending one of our QPR Suicide Prevention Trainings being offered this semester via Zoom. Contact Christi Castillo for more information @ 520-621-4251 or christiclauson@arizona.edu(link sends e-mail)

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. As a QPR trained gatekeeper you will learn to:

• Recognize the warning signs of suicide.
• Know how to offer hope.
• Know how to get help and save a life.

*If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741. These resources are available 24/7.