Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults (age 15-24) in the United States; this rate has tripled since the 1950s. 

Our college community has become increasingly aware of the amount of stress students experience and the negative impact it has on their health and academic performance.

Attending college can be a difficult transition period. Students often report feeling lost, lonely, confused, anxious, inadequate, and stressed. These problems may lead to depression which, if left untreated, is the number one cause for suicide.   

When someone is having suicidal thoughts, it is a very real sign that something needs attention. We want you to know the warning signs of someone who may be considering suicide so you can identify someone who may be in distress.   

There are many common misconceptions about suicide. Knowing fact from myth could very well save the life of a friend or family member. Discover some of the most common myths about suicide.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. With your help, we can spread awareness about suicide prevention and mental health, and save lives. 

CF offers free on-campus counseling services. Our caring staff is dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of CF students. All services are confidential.

Suicide Hotlines

If you are concerned about immediate self-harm or harm to others, please call 911.

The pressure from college and life can sometimes seem overwhelming. If you need support, advice, or just a friendly ear, we are here for you.

On-Campus Resources

CF Counseling Services

CF offers free on-campus counseling services. Our caring staff is dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of CF students. All services are confidential.

Bryant Student Union | 352-854-2322, ext. 1580 or 1286

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

BayCare– After-hours support provided by BayCare. Call 800-878-5470.

 

Community Resources

SMA Health Care – Mental Health Service

24-hour crisis line: 352-291-5555

SMA Health Care Marion County: Airport Road (S.W. 60th Ave.) and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. 352-629-9595

SMA Health Care Citrus County: South Lecanto Hwy., Lecanto. 352-726-7155

The Vines Hospital

3130 SW 27th Ave. Ocala, 34471. Call 866-671-3130.

 

National Suicide Prevention Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255).

For Hearing and Speech Impaired with TTY Equipment: 800-799-4TTY (4889). The NSPL Hotline uses Tele-Interpreters to service over 150 languages.

International Student Support Program

ISSP offers support tailored to International Student needs and can help you with questions or issues you have about adjusting to a new culture, health, relationships, and school. Language support is available through native speakers or translation service for 200+ languages.

The Trevor Project Trevor Lifeline

The nation’s only 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people ages 13 to 24. Offers a safe and judgment-free place to talk. Call 866-488-7386.

Veteran’s Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline. Call 800-273-8255, press 1.

 

Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Risk Factors:

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

 

Warning Signs:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

 
This website was developed [in part] by grant number IU79SM062517 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of CMHS, SMAHSA, or HHS; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Some information on this page was taken from http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide.