OWENSBORO, Ky.– The Kentucky Wesleyan College Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month.
 
Mental health counseling is available to all Wesleyan students through the Counseling Services Office located on the second floor of the Barnard-Jones Administration Building in Room 209B.  Services are provided for a number of issues including college adjustment, stress, problem behaviors, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief, eating disorders, substance abuse, relationships and other issues related to mental health.
 
Fees for services are included in the Health and Wellness fees; there is no additional charge to students.  Appointments can be made by either visiting the Counseling Services Office or calling 270-852-3183.
 
Please do not dismiss, ignore, or minimize the suffering of anyone who reaches out for support.  It takes so much strength for someone to reach out.  Give those who are struggling the compassion and love they're unable to give themselves.
 
Resources

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Confidential, emotional support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Owensboro Crisis Line is 1-800-433-7291. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is monitored by RiverValley Behavorial Health (RVBH).
• The Trevor Project Crisis Line is 1-866-488-7386. It is a 24-hour helpline for the LGBTQ community.

• Globally, nearly 800,000 people die every year due to suicide which is one person every 40 seconds.  It is the second leading cause of death for 15-29 year olds.
• In the U.S., it is the 10thleading cause of death for all ages.
• Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide, taking the lives of over 44,965 Americans every year.
• Females are more likely than males to have suicidal thoughts, but suicide among males is 4x's higher than females.
• 80-90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication.

• Prioritize safety: Remove any dangerous objects and find a safe place
• Find an "anchor": Find something that keeps you grounded and makes you feel safe
• Practice self-soothing techniques: Repeat a positive affirmation, watch your favorite TV show, or journal your feelings
• Don't try to figure out your whole future: You don't have to solve everything all at once
• Reach out to a loved one, a coach, or a professional: This will help you feel less alone and more comforted.

• Asking if you'd miss them
• Asking if you're busy and saying "never mind" regardless of your answer
• Asking for help with trivial things and showing signs they don't want to be alone
• Bringing up painful personal matters with dark humor
• Seeking reassurance that you love them
• Making threats to hurt or kill himself or herself
• Communicating or posting on social media thoughts of hurting themselves, dying or suicide
• Hopelessness
• Feeling overwhelmed, that there's no way out of a situation, or having no sense of purpose in life
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or events

• Stop faking it
• Things aren't that bad
• Stop attention seeking
• If you meant it, you'd be doing it instead of talking about it
• I bet you won't
• Get over it
• You've got to suck it up and move on
• You're so dramatic
• Other people have it worse
• You're being selfish
• It's all in your head
• You're such a burden
• Snap out of it
• You're such a drag to be around

• Ensure their safety: If they've displayed any risk or have any means to harm themselves, remove any dangers and ensure they're in a safe environment. If they voice intent, call a crisis line.
• Don't judge: This will make them feel more alone and discourage them from opening up again.
• Listen empathetically: The more you listen, the more you'll understand and the less alone they'll feel.
• Be patient: It can be difficult to place into words what's going on in their head.
• Remind them how much you care about them: Remind them they're not a burden.
• Empower them: Remind them of their accomplishments, strengths, positive traits and how proud you are of them.
• Don't force conversation: Sometimes just sitting next to them, demonstrating that they're not alone, can mean the world to them.
• Help with a daily task: Whether it's making their bed, doing the laundry, or ordering some groceries.
• Encourage professional care: Offer to help organize an appointment or go with them to a therapist. 

Mental Health First Aid International, (2015). Mental health first aid USA, first edition (revised), adult. National Counseling for Behavioral Health, p. 106.