Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

Approximately 1,100 U.S. college students take their own lives each year. You can help reduce this number and perhaps even save the life of a friend or classmate.

The best way you can prevent a friend or classmate from taking his or her own life is to know the warning signs and how to respond.

Warning Signs

There is no foolproof way of determining whether a young person is considering suicide, but the following signs could be an indication:

* Sudden worsening in school performance
* Fixation with death or violence
* Unhealthy peer relationships
* Violent mood swings or a sudden change in personality
* Signs of an eating disorder
* Difficulty adjusting to gender identity (if gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender)
* Depression (Depression and suicide have many common warning signs. While most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. )
* Sadness or anxiety
* Feelings of guilt, helplessness or hopelessness
* Feelings of worthlessness
* Feelings of being out of control
* Trouble eating or sleeping
* Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
* Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
* Increased use of alcohol or drugs
* Anger

Warning Signs of Suicide That Need Immediate Attention

* Talking openly about committing suicide
* Talking indirectly about “wanting out” or “ending it all” and saying such things as:
I wish I were dead.
You will be better off without me.
What’s the point of living?
Soon you won’t have to worry about me.
Who cares if I’m dead, anyway?

* Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
* Giving away personal, prized possessions
* Neglecting personal appearance and hygiene
* Obtaining a weapon or other means such as prescription medications to hurt him- or herself.

How to Respond

* Take a suicide threat seriously.
* Talk to your friend, express your concern, and be willing to listen. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference. Be persistent if your friend is reluctant to talk.
* Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Let the person know you care and understand and that he or she is not alone. Let the person know that depression can be treated and problems solved.
* If your friend tells you he or she has a detailed suicide plan or the means to hurt him- or herself, stay with your friend until he or she will go with you to see a responsible adult who can help.
* If you have talked with a friend or classmate and you think that person is in danger, but the person refuses to get help, talk to a responsible adult who understands young people and can intervene. If your friend refuses to talk with you or you do not know the person well enough to talk personally, seek out a responsible adult who can help.
* Don’t be afraid of being wrong. Even the experts have difficulties determining who is at serious risk of suicide. A friend with problems that may be warning signs for suicide perhaps may not actually be suicidal, but he or she will still need help. You can help by talking to your friend and assisting your friend to find a qualified person who can help solve his or her problems.

Sources: “College Students,” Suicide Prevention Resource Center, www.sprc.org; “For Students,” The Jed Foundation, www.jedfoundation.org; “When You Fear Someone May Take Their Life,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, www.afsp.org.

Are you or someone you know…
…experiencing self-destructive feelings?

Talk to a responsible adult, contact your school’s counseling center, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). The toll-free hotline is available 24/7. The people who answer the phone will help you.