Suicide Prevention and Education
It is Okay to Not be Okay.
Thank you for visiting our website and for seeking information about suicide prevention. We are here to help connect you to resources for preventing suicide, whether you are helping a student, friend, family member, or even yourself. We hope that the educational materials provided on this page give you the resources, skills, and strength to keep our Cardinals alive.
Healthcare Professionals and Suicide: Awareness, Prevention, First Steps to Help
From detecting the warning signs to addressing the stigma, learn how to recognize suicidal behavior in others, gather prevention tools and resources, and find out where to get help today.
Warning Signs
Warning signs are invitations for help. Some are direct, and some are indirect, and no two people will necessarily share the same types of warning signs. If you notice any behavior change in yourself, a friend, student, loved one, or colleague it is an opportunity for you to start a conversation. Here are some common behavior changes that may be signs of suicidal thoughts.
- Suicide threats or previous suicide attempts
- Statements revealing a desire to die
- Alcohol and drug abuse: sudden changes in use
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Persistent low mood, hopelessness, anxiety, withdrawal, desperation
- Neglect of school work, personal grooming or other routine tasks
- Changes in physical health such as changes in sleep habits, appetite, weight, or energy level
- Personal crises and major losses or rejections
- Loss of relationship
- Making final arrangements
- Giving away prized possessions
- Purchasing a gun or stockpiling pills
- Perceived or actual lack of support
- Ominous, dark, or vague social media posts or sudden withdrawal from social media use
- Academic concerns that may be experienced as failure
- Lacking coping skills and feelings of hopelessness
- Identity concerns
Preventing Suicide: Know the Warning Signs and How to Help
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, here’s how to get help.
If you are noticing these warning signs in someone else, here’s how to start the conversation.