Suicide Awareness at SLCC

A group of students at Salt Lake Community College would like to spread awareness for

suicide prevention.

Five students at SLCC have started a campaign for a course project that involves trying to

spread awareness for suicide prevention. The statistics involving suicide can be very frightening

and it is the goal of this project to help reduce the number of suicides in any way. Along with

writing this article, there will be flyers published around campus, and a video sharing how

anyone around you can have suicidal thoughts and how you can help or what you can do if you

are having these thoughts. Another main goal of this project and article is to talk about suicide

and not make it this “taboo” topic that we cannot discuss. We want to break down the wall of a

topic that has been hushed by society and open the door for discussion before someone takes

their life. Suicide is not discriminating, it can effect anyone. It can happen to kids, teens, young

adults, the older generations, men, women, teachers, leaders, your neighbor, and even your

friend. Knowing how to help or how to get help for yourself is the first step. Almost everyone

has been affected by suicide in some way, and it can be a very difficult subject for people to talk

about. The goal of this project is to make it easier for someone to get help and/or help someone

who has reached out to you

The most important thing is to understand the warning signs of someone thinking of

attempting suicide. According to the SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)

organization, these are the warning signs of a person that may need urgent help.
· Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;

· Looking for a way to kill oneself;

· Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;

· Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;

· Talking about being a burden to others;

· Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;

· Acting anxious, agitated or reckless;

· Sleeping too little or too much;

· Withdrawing or feeling isolated;

· Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge;

· Displaying extreme mood swings.

Along with warning signs everyone should be aware of risk factors, which are

characteristics that make a person more likely to attempt suicide. This list is also according to the

SAVE organization.

· Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety and other disorders;

· Alcohol and other substance use problems;

· Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies;

· History of trauma or abuse;

· Major physical or chronic illness;

· Previous suicide attempt;

· Family history of suicide;

· Recent job or financial loss;

· Recent loss of relationship;

· Easy access to lethal means;

· Lack of health care;

· Stigma involved with asking for help.

The World Health Organization states that close to 800,000 people die from suicide every

year, which they say is one person every 40 seconds. These are similar to pandemic numbers

which everyone is familiar with now. There needs to be more done to prevent suicide. If you or

someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, we strongly encourage you to

reach out. Just remember everyone has a past they might not share, or thoughts that might scare

people but if they reach out or say something that is their call for help. Don’t brush off

someone’s feelings or thoughts because you could be the person that helps and saves someone,

or you could be the stick that breaks the camel's back.

 Resources

● National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255

● LGBTQ Lifeline

1-866-488-7386

● Crisis Teen Text Line

Text “LISTEN” to 741-741

● SLCC Center for Health and Counseling

Counseling sessions: $10 to enrolled students

● Safe Utah Crisis Prevention Lifeline

833-372-3388
 References

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Organization. (n.d.). Warning Signs of Suicide.

Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-
risk-factors-protective-factors/

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Suicide data. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/suicide-data