MOBIL INFORMATION
LVV N
University Daily Kansan / Tuesday, November 17, 1987
Tuesday Forum
5
Myths shroud suicide prevention
By RICHARD E. NELSON
One of the primary deterrents of suicide on college campuses is education — basic education on the components of prevention, common myths of suicide, warning signs and specific what-to-do suggestions.
Whenever a person attempts or commits suicide, the question most frequently asked is, "Why would he do that?" A partial answer to the "why" question comes by determining the problem that the suicidal person is trying to solve. In almost all cases of college student suicidal behavior, there is a problem or series of problems that the student is trying to solve through suicidal behavior.
The important point to remember is that the problem can be solved through an alternative to suicide. Suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem.
Research suggests that four components are needed in the life of a college student to assist in the prevention of suicide. First, the student needs someone in his world who fits the category of a concerned friend. This concerned friend must be someone the student thinks he can trust, someone he can talk with, someone who will listen.
Second, the student needs someone in his world who will talk with him openly and frankly about what he is feeling. Next, the student needs someone in his world who knows the warning signs of suicide. Finally, the student needs someone in his world who will refer him to professional help.
The University of Kansas is fortunate to have several counseling resources on campus, including the Psychological Clinic in Fraser Hall, the Mental Health Unit in Watkins Hospital and the University Counseling Center in Bailey Hall. In addition to these resources, the Campus Information Center is available to students 24 hours a day.
Myth: People who talk about suicide don't do it.
Some of the common myths of suicide are:
Fact: About 75 percent of the people who attempt and commit suicide have told someone what they were going to do.
Myth: If you let people talk about suicide they are more apt to do it.
Fact: If you let people talk about suicide there is often a sense of relief — at least someone knows how much I hurt.
Myth: Once suicidal, always suicidal.
Fact: Most people are suicidal only once. The key is to find alternative ways to solve problems.
Myth: Suicidal people really want to die.
One of the basic concepts of understanding human behavior is that people behave according to how they feel about themselves at any given time. Because of this, when suicidal people feel hapless, hopeless and helpless, their behaviors change.
Although suicide and depression are not synonymous, the suicidal person is most often depressed. Depressive behavior can result in isolation from friends and from normal activities. Some depression may result in aggressive, rebellious and disobedient behavior.
Some of the behavioral changes include excessive sleeping or insomnia; sudden changes in personal appearance; lack of concern about what they look like; sudden changes in eating behavior; a reduction in eating or excessive increase in amounts they eat; sudden changes in grades, always lower; a cessation of going to class; severed friendships; and sudden cessation of enjoyable activities.
Most suicidal people can be identified by warning signs, which fall into two categories. The first is called a veiled or disguised threat, which may sound like "I can't take it any more," or "The world would be better off without me." The second category of suicidal threat is a direct desire to die statement, "I'm going to kill myself," or "I'm going to commit suicide." Both kinds of threats must be heard and assistance must be sought.
Fact: The majority of suicidal students do not want to die. They are experiencing a crisis and perceive suicide as the only solution.
Any recent loss may become a suicidal warning sign. Most prevalent in college students is the loss due to a break-up in a love relationship. Other losses in their lives may lead death and parental divorce.
One of the suggestions for students
as the end of the semester and the stress of final exams approach is to schedule in relaxation time. Even just a few minutes away from academic pursuits can be helpful. Most stress is cumulative until it gets too enormous to deal with. Therefore frequent stress-reducing activities are often helpful.
The following two suggestions relate specifically to suicide. If students are concerned about one of their friends, the best initial advice is to encourage that friend to seek professional help. The process of coming out of depression and suicidal thoughts is to talk to someone. The
very best thing you can do for a friend is to insist that they — and perhaps accompany them — to talk to a trained professional.
For those students who are concerned about their own feelings and thoughts, the advice is the same: Talk to someone who is professionally trained. Suicide does not have to happen. Alternative solutions to problems are always possible.
Richard E. Nelson is an associate professor of counseling psychology and a counselor at the University of Kansas Counseling Center.
THE FAR SIDE
By GARY LARSON
"OK. I'll go back and tell my people that you're staying in the boat, but I warn you they're not going to like it."
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE TO BE A PROFESSOR SOME DAY? WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A CAREER IN RESEARCH OR TEACHING AT A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?
The Graduate School of the University of Kansas would like to invite you to attend a special informative meeting on November 18, 1987 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Alderson Auditorium of the Kansas Union. Refreshments will be served.
COME WITH YOUR QUESTIONS AND CURIOSITY... Wednesday, November 18, 1987, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Alderson Auditorium, Kansas Union
will affect you. What can you do? Be informed. All your questions answered WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 7:00 UNION BALLROOM
Dr. Richard Keeling M.D. Chairman for the task force on AIDS American College Health Assoc.
Sponsored by Academy of Students of Pharmacy (ASP)
Ad paid for by Student Senate-Student Senate Task Force on AIDS
NAISMITH HALL LAWRENCE, KANSAS
Kansas' Most Prestigious Private Residence Hall
Proudly Serving Students Attending the University of Kansas
A Class Move for Students and Parents:
Living on your own without actually living alone
Involved in university life while experiencing independence that awaits after graduation
Being in the center of activity while maintaining individuality
Free from the hassle of day to day chores & additional hidden expenses in alternate housing
- Priced equivalent to or less than sharing an apartment, and without shared financial or personal liability
Opportunity for a well-rounded education & sense of involvement
All you can eat meal plans
Academic year leases with individual liability
Planned social events
Amenities:
Computer center
All utilities paid
Laundry facilities
Excellent campus location
Front door bus service to class
Fitness center
Quiet study areas
Weekly maid service
Air conditioning
24 hour reception desk
COME JOIN US for the SPRING SEMESTER!
Applications now being accepted -- minimal rooms available for more information, call or come by: 1800 Naismith Drive 843-8559