National Suicide Prevention Month
September
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.
It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention.
Did You Know...
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.
In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss.
In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.
Know the Warning Signs
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing these thoughts, seek immediate assistance from a health or mental health care provider.
Warning signs include:
- Trouble in school
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Seeming depressed or anxious
- Talking about suicide
- Risk-taking, recklessness, self-harm
- Isolating from friends and peers
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Experienced trauma (including break ups and family problems)
Signs of imminent danger:
- Putting their affairs in order and giving away their possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Mood shifts from despair to calm
- Planning, possibly by looking around to buy, steal or borrow the tools they need to complete suicide, such as a firearm or prescription medication
Helping A Loved One
It can be frightening and intimidating when a loved one reveals or shows signs of suicidal thoughts. However, not taking thoughts of suicide seriously can have a devastating outcome.
There are a few ways to approach this situation.
- Calmly ask simple and direct questions, such as “Can I help you call a counselor?”
- Talk openly and honestly about suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”
- If there are multiple people, have one person speak at a time
- Ask what you can do to help
- Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice
- Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong
- If your loved one asks for something, provide it, as long as the request is safe and reasonable
- Use active listening techniques, such as reflecting feelings and summarizing thoughts
- Reassure your loved one that you are concerned for their well-being
If you think your friend or family member will hurt themselves or someone else, call 911 immediately.
Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts
Mental health professionals are trained to help a person understand their feelings and can improve mental wellness and resiliency. Depending on their training they can provide effective ways to help.
Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, can help a person with thoughts of suicide recognize unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior, validate troubling feelings, and learn coping skills.
Medication can be used if necessary to treat underlying depression and anxiety and can lower a person’s risk of hurting themselves. Depending on the person’s mental health diagnosis, other medications can be used to alleviate symptoms.
National Helpline and Websites
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
You can always talk to someone by calling the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
Crisis Textline for Students of Color
The Steve Fund is dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of students of color.
Crisis Textline
Every texter is connected with a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to bring texters from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening and collaborative problem solving.
The Trevor Project - LGBTQ+
- Trevor Lifeline - A crisis and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386
- TrevorSpace - An online community for LGBTQ young people and their friends
Fall Term Events
Fresh Check Day
Thursday, Sep 27, 2018, 10:30 AM
Alumni Hall, Plomin Terrace
Health & Counseling Open House
Friday, Sep 28, 2018, 10:00 AM
Furrow Hall (across from the soccer field)
Mental Health Screening Day
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2018, 10:00 AM
Counseling Services
Depression Workshop
This workshop is meant as an opportunity to learn coping skills to decrease depressive symptoms. The majority of this time will be spent sharing, practicing, and discussing coping techniques. This is not group counseling, but rather is set up as a classroom-like learning environment.
Tuesday, Oct 9, 2018, 12:00 PM
TBD
Anxiety Workshop
This workshop is meant as an opportunity to learn coping skills to decrease anxiety symptoms. The majority of this time will be spent sharing, practicing, and discussing coping techniques. This is not group counseling, but rather is set up as a classroom-like learning environment.
Friday, Oct 12, 2018, 12:00 PM
TBD
National Wear Purple Day
Make a fashion statement that really says something! Wear something purple on Thursday, October 25th to honor victims and support survivors of domestic violence.
Thursday, Oct 25, 2018, 12:00 AM
Everywhere!
Counseling Services
Making an appointment is easy! Calling is the fastest way to schedule an appointment, but you can also visit our office or send us an email!
Current Staff:
Janell McGruder – Director, Counselor
Megan Downs – Assistant Director, Counselor
Emily Trulson - Counselor
Claire Palmer – Intake Coordinator
Vicki Swedlund - Administrative Assistant
Email: counseling@knox.edu
Website: https://www.knox.edu/offices/health-and-counseling-center/counseling-services
Location: Furrow Hall, 175 West Knox St.
Phone: 309-341-7492
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knoxcollegecounselingservices/