Suicide awareness for students

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, aimed at reducing the stigma of seeking help, raising awareness and promoting prevention.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, or NIMH, suicide is the third-leading cause of death in individuals aged 15 to 24 and second-leading cause for people aged 25 to 34.
For college students, academic stress, personal challenges, financial or food insecurity, and the wide range of responsibilities college students have can add significant strain to their life.

The Northern Light spoke with UAA psychology professor Dr. Jennifer Poon over email about suicide awareness and resources.

Poon wrote that it is known certain groups of people are at higher risk of suicidal ideation or attempt. These groups include youth, sexual and gender minorities, and specific racial and ethnic groups. 

“These groups are at higher risks for a number of reasons, mainly because of the way society treats them and the unique stressors they face (e.g., discrimination, historical trauma),” wrote Poon.

Poon wrote predicting suicide is difficult, and out of 365 studies from the past 50 years, prediction was only slightly better than chance.

Poon wrote, “I think talking about suicide is an important one that many people seem to miss, especially when so many people joke about 'unaliveing' themselves.” 

She said they could be joking, and are often not serious in the moment, but following up with them at another time may be beneficial.

Poon wrote passive expressions like saying “I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up,” or active expressions such as, “I am thinking about killing myself,” are examples of suicidal ideation and should always be taken seriously. 

Intent and specific plans significantly increased risk of attempt. Prior attempts and behaviors such as nonsuicidal self-injury can be a predictor of a future attempt, wrote Poon. 

If students are concerned about a friend or peer, Poon wrote, “I think the best thing to do is honestly just ask them. Even if they say no, because you asked, you have demonstrated that you actually care and they may be more willing to disclose to you in the future.”

She wrote to not overly extend concern by asking the person each day, but it might be a good idea to ask more than once or multiple times, especially if there are any noticeable changes like they are no longer attending classes or they stop showering.

Poon wrote about her clinical experience with adolescents who did not want to tell on their friends who may have experienced suicidal ideations. 

“While there is a risk your friend may be upset, the most important thing is to keep them on this planet,” wrote Poon. “You can tell them that you love them and cannot morally/ethically keep this information to yourself while encouraging them to reach out.”

She noted that restricting access to lethal means is important for prevention as suicidal ideations usually peak in bursts. These few minutes of separation from accessible means, such as weapons, chemicals or substances, can save their life.

Poon said suicide is often determined by multiple factors, and while suicide is an individual problem, suicidal ideation almost always results from a combination of factors, “many of which are systemic and go far beyond the individual.”

“People do not necessarily want to die; they usually just want the pain to stop and don’t feel like their life or future will improve,” wrote Poon. “Suicide is deeply intertwined with systemic inequalities, discrimination, and social determinants of health.”

Poon wrote that even if you are not suicidal, students can contact 988 for guidance on a sensitive situation. Trusted professors are also available to help. Parents, guardians, Elders, therapists or any trusted person or provider are always someone students can talk to. 

Seeking care at a local emergency room or contacting emergency services are also options for anyone who feels at risk of suicide.

The Student Health and Counseling Center also has a variety of resources available to students for a low price.

Poon listed events taking place in September for suicide awareness, such as the Anchorage chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s walk that will be hosted at West Anchorage High School on Sept. 6. 

She also highlighted Missing and Murdered Persons upcoming 5k walk on Sept. 27.
“I think it’s important to move beyond pathologizing suicidal individuals and start looking at what we can do at the societal level,” wrote Poon. 

“How can we create universities and, ultimately, entire societies that don’t cause so many people to feel so miserable that they feel compelled to die in order to escape? How can we find ways to create communities in which suicide is no longer a viable option for people?” she wrote.

Here is a list of other resources available to anyone in need:

Providence Hospital Emergency Department.

Call 911 or 311 for the Anchorage Mobile Crisis Team.

Dial 988 to get local mental health help 24/7.

UAA Student Health and Counseling Center
Alaska Careline Crisis Intervention Line: 1-877-266-4357.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.

Trevor Project Hotline: 1-866-488-7686.

Trevor Project Text Line: Text START to 678-678.