Counseling Center reaches out on Suicide Prevention Day

The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization marked Thursday Sept. 10 as World Wide Suicide Prevention Day in an effort to minimize suicides, which are the second leading cause of death among college students.

Counselor Marty Marsh Jacobs said the most important thing for students who are feeling suicidal tendencies to do is reach out for help.

"We will help them work through it," she said.

The counselors are located within the Halladay Student Services building. The counseling office is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm, but will take appointments after five Monday through Thursday. Students can reach the counselors after the center is closed by contacting the University Police Department.

Marsh Jacobs said students are beginning to use the center.

"We are starting to see them come in," she said.

Marsh Jacobs said those who feel their friends are a danger to themselves should not feel nervous about talking to those friends.

"It is ok to ask them what they are feeling; it does not put ideas in their head," she said. "Encourage them [to seek help]. Suicidal thoughts are usually temporary and there is no need to make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion."

She said it is important for people helping those with suicidal thoughts to guide them to the Counseling Center.

A press release from the Counseling Center expressed the importance of student and faculty involvement in suicide prevention.

The release states the transition to college can be difficult for a lot of students, leading to feelings of being lost, lonely and confused. According to the release, the number one cause of suicides is untreated depression. It goes on to state most suicides are preventable, and most people considering suicide want to live but cannot see a solution to the problem.

Lt. Jason Bone said he believes it is the obligation of everyone to contact local authorities if someone is in danger.

"If it is an emergency on campus I encourage students to contact UPD," he said.

Bone said although UPD does not have workshops or training in suicidal prevention, the police are still here to help. Bone said to refer non-immediate threats to the Counseling Center and said they are more qualified to handle suicide prevention than UPD.

"I believe the Counseling Center does a number of these types of workshops," he said. The Counseling Center does not deal solely with life threatening issues according to Marsh Jacobs.

"We deal a lot with anxiety and depression issues as well," she said.

Students who feel they or their friends need counseling can contact the Counseling Center at 903-886-5145, or the UPD at 903-886-5868.