85 84 Chapter Five: Supporting Students with Mental Health Difficulties Chapter Five: Supporting Students with Mental Health Difficulties Concerns that Require Immediate or Urgent Attention Suicide Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among college students and poses a public health challenge on college campuses. Suicide behavior has been conceptualized as a continuum from suicide ideation, to suicide attempt to completed suicide. In particular, suicide ideation is regarded not only as an important predictor of suicide attempt and completed suicide, but also a significant marker for other mental health difficulties among youth. Empirically, numerous risk factors for suicide ideation among college students have been identified, e.g., depression, academic difficulties, interpersonal relationships problems, adverse life stressors, sense of helplessness and hopelessness, and financial burden. Students with suicidal thoughts tend to hold persistent negative views of the self, the world and the future and therefore see suicide as a problem-solving strategy to end the emotional suffering. They may actually feel ambivalent about ending their lives and are often willing to get help from others. Therefore, it is crucial to increase awareness of the cryptic or indirect messages left by students who are suicidal and offer emotional support accordingly. As suicidal crises are time-limited, timely interventions can be highly effective. “Students may actually feel ambivalent about ending their lives and are often willing to get help from others.” e.g. e.g. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Statements, verbal or written, implying the person does not intend to be around in the future “I won’t be bothering you any longer.” “It’ll all be over soon.” • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself or being a burden to others • Making preparations giving away valued personal possessions, making a will, cleaning up own room or home • Specific suicide intent, plan or access to lethal means to carry out plan • Viewing death as a means of escape from distress • No reason for living, no sense of purpose in life • Prolonged and excessive sadness or moodiness • Changes in personality or appearance • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities • Social withdrawal • Sudden drop in academic performance or failure to turn in assignments or keep appointments • Sudden improvement of mood after prolonged period of depression
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