Dear Hopkins Student,

Please read this letter and keep it within easy reach. One day, it might help save someones life. Depression is a serious issue that many college students struggle with every day. It is not just a problem that we read about online or see in a TV show. It is real and prevalent across the country and at our school. We all know that Hopkins can be both enjoyable and stressful, but those coping with depression can find it to be an exhausting and unhappy place. As they struggle with the academic and social responsibilities of a college student, they also have to grapple with depression. People dealing with depression may try to hide it from friends, even from those closest to them. On occasion, depression can also lead to suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the college population, and ninety-five percent of college students who commit suicide are suffering from clinical depression. Last year, at least 85 students expressed serious concern about suicidal urges to a counselor at the JHU Counseling Center. And at least 225 of our peers suffered from depression last year. We along with the Counseling Center and the Dean of Students want to inform you about depression, and we feel that it is important that you know the symptoms in case you suspect that someone you know is depressed. Depression and thoughts of suicide can affect a persons life in many different ways. Some people may display behavioral changes, while others experience physical symptoms. The Counseling Center offers a 24/7 depression screening test online at http://www.ulifeline.org/jhu/page/student/SelfEval.html. Information about depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and other mental health issues is also available on the site. There are ways to understand depression and suicide. Through being aware and informed, we are better able to help one another through difficult times. Signs of depression can include: *Changes in appetite or sleep pattern *Withdrawal from friends and social activities *Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities *Feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, helplessness, or hopelessness *Increased anger or irritability *Increased use of alcohol or drugs *Distressed posts on social media sites (e.g. Facebook) Potential signs of suicidality may include: *Talking about harming oneself *Speaking about wanting out or ending it all, even in passing *Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks *Giving away personal possessions *A sudden apparent improvement in mood or outlook

Suicide can be triggered by a number of things, including: Stressful events such as a failed exam, failure to get a job, or prolonged illness Crises in significant social or family relationships Interpersonal losses such as a romantic breakup Anything that provokes intense anger or anxiety

Its important to note that sometimes suicide does not have an obvious trigger and could be a culmination of many factors, making it hard to pinpoint. How to help a friend: If you notice any of the above warning signs in a friend or in a classmate, then you have the responsibility to be concerned. There are many ways that you can help. The first step is expressing concern for your friend. Talking about suicide wont plant those thoughts in someones head. For example, one might say: You seem really down lately. Is something bothering you? Listen and offer emotional support, understanding, and patience. Convey the message that depression is real, common, and treatable and emphasize how much you care about them. If there are warning signs of potential suicide, offer to accompany your friend to see a counselor at the Counseling Center, located at 3003 N. Charles St. in Suite S-200. If you are unsure about what to do or have any questions at all, please consult with the Counseling Center staff at the numbers listed below. Above all, be nonjudgmental, supportive, and sincere. As part of the Hopkins Community, we have a responsibility to be as strong, compassionate, and positive. You can help make a difference every day. If anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, it is important that you contact the Counseling Center at 410-516-8278, open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM Monday and Thursday, and 8:30 AM to 5 PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. After hours and on weekends, help can be reached by contacting security at Homewood (410-516-7777) or Peabody (410-234-4600.)

Thank you for your support and attention on this important issue. Sincerely,

The Counseling Center Student Advisory Board Susan Boswell, Dean of Students Student Government Association Active Minds Women's Pre-Health Leadership Society

The Counseling Center Office of Residential Life A Place To Talk Hopkins Speaks Up Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance

Hopkins Emergency Response Unit South Asian Students Association The JH Cross Country & Track Teams Phi Kappa Psi Alpha Phi Omega Kappa Alpha Theta Alpha Kappa Psi Refugee Project

Sexual Assault Resource Unit Neuroscience Honor Society (Nu Rho Psi) JHU Club Volleyball Coalition of Hopkins Activists for Israel Sigma Phi Epsilon Epidemic Proportions SALUD Ladybirds Dance Team

ON-CAMPUS PEER SUPPORT A Place To Talk (APTT) Sunday Thursday; 6 p.m. to Midnight., AMR I & 6 p.m. to 10pm Wolman.

ON-CAMPUS PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES Counseling Center: 3003 N. Charles St. Suite S-200 http://web.jhu.edu/counselingcenter Call 410-516-8278 during office hours 8:30 AM to 6 PM Monday and Thursday (Open until 6pm during the academic year) 8:30 AM to 5 PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

OFF-CAMPUS PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES Emergency Rooms: Union Memorial Hospital Emergency Room: 410-554-2626 Johns Hopkins Hospital Adult Emergency Department: 410-955-2280. Other Hospital Emergency Rooms: Call 911.

Outpatient Clinics: North Baltimore Center Outpatient Clinic: 410-366-4360. Johns Hopkins Hospital Community Psychiatric Program: 410-955-3861 Crisis Lines, Information and Referral Services. Baltimore Crisis Response Grassroots Crisis Intervention 211 Maryland National Suicide Hotline 410-752-2272 410-531-6677 (24/7) 410-685-0525 1-800-784-2433