The most effective way to prevent suicide is to know the warning signs, take those signs seriously, and respond appropriately. People who are suicidal can be helped with the proper treatment. Common warning signs of suicide include:

• Hopelessness
• Preoccupation with death or dying
• Writing notes or poems about suicide or death; writing a will
• Giving away prized possessions
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Feeling excessive guilt or shame
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Dramatic mood changes
• Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or ideation, get help immediately by contacting a doctor, mental health counselor, or go to an emergency room.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

• difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• fatigue and decreased energy
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• irritability, restlessness
• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• overeating or appetite loss
• persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Making statements such as:
  • "I can't go on any longer."
  • "I hate this life."
  • "There's no point to this stupid life."
  • "Everyone would be better off without me."
  • "Life is not worth living."
  • "Nothing matters anymore."
  • "I don't care about anything anymore."
  • "I want to die."

Many life events can contribute to feelings of depression including:

• The death of a loved one
• A divorce, separation or breakup
• A serious or terminal illness
• Domestic violence, rape or assault
• Sexual, verbal or physical abuse
• Intense emotional pain
• Serious legal problems
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Disappointment

First, remember that you are not and cannot be responsible for other people’s actions when they are experiencing stress, depression, or suicidal thoughts. In any of these situations, your calmness, willingness to help and knowledge of whom to call is important. You may choose to approach your friend with your concerns or they may approach you for help. In any case, listening to them, being supportive, and contacting a trusted adult and/or professional is essential. Ways you can help:

• Really listen to what your friend is saying
• Recognize that you’ve heard them and let them know you understand
• Express concerns and interest using “I” statements and personal observations. “I’ve noticed you’ve been missing class a lot lately. How are things going?” would be better than “You’re such a slacker, I can’t believe you don’t go to class anymore.”
• Ask your friend what they’ve been thinking and what resources they have to handle the problem
• Refer when you recognize signs and symptoms that indicate your friend may need professional help
• Be honest about your concerns. If you are very concerned about a friend, don’t be afraid to express, “I care about you, and I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
• Assist your friend to find appropriate help, and offer to accompany them
• Ask the question:

If you suspect someone you know is contemplating or planning suicide, you might simply want to ask, “Is it so bad that you’ve thought about killing yourself?” This can be a difficult question, but by asking, you are showing how much you care and how much you pay attention to them. It takes courage and compassion to risk being wrong rather that assume they can handle things alone.

Some students may feel that their problems aren’t serious enough or are too serious to be solved. Others may be ambivalent about seeking help from the Counseling Center, be fearful of the unknown, or be unsure about what going to counseling means.
Acknowledge that this can be a scary step to take. Please assure your friend that the counselors have dealt with many types of issues and will work with them in exploring options.

• If your friend is a UNO student, suggest he/she call or come in to make an appointment. Give the phone number (554-2409) and location (EAB 115). Our services are free and confidential.
• Call the Counseling Center while you are with your friend. Let your friend make the appointment.
• Walk your friend over to the Counseling Center. This may make them feel more comfortable about making an appointment or attending a first counseling session.
• If you are concerned about a friend, but aren’t certain about making a referral or talking with them, feel free to call and consult with one of our counselors. Call or make an appointment.
• If your friend is not a UNO student, consider speaking with one of our counselors about off-campus referrals.

Help is available on or around campuses through the following resources:Help is available on or around campuses through the following resources:

• UNO Counseling Center – EAB 115, 554-2409
• Student Health Services – MBSC 1st Floor, 554-2374
• Campus Security – EAB 100, 554-2648
• Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty
• Community mental health clinic
• Local crisis center or hotlines (below)

Information has been garnered from the following resources. Phone numbers and links are provided for further utilization. Please contact any of these for help.

Boystown National Hotline
http://www.boystown.org/AboutUs/hotline/
1-800-448-3000

Lasting Hope Recovery Center
http://www.alegent.com/body.cfm?id=4771
415 S 25th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68131
402-717-HOPE (4673)

National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
1-866-SAFEYOUTH (1-866-723-3968)
http://www.safeyouth.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time

The Trevor HelpLine
(Specializing in gay and lesbian youth suicide prevention)
1-800-850-8078

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1-800-799-4TTY (for the hearing impaired)

The Jed Foundation
http://www.jedfoundation.org/

ULifeline, the Jed Foundation’s Online Resource for College Mental Health
http://ulifeline.org/

What a Difference a Friend Makes
from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/

Suicide Prevention, Awareness and Support
http://www.suicide.org

American Association of Suicidology
http://www.suicidology.org
1-202-237-2280

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.afsp.org

Jason Foundation
http://www.jasonfoundation.com/home.html

National Suicide Prevention Strategy
http://www.sg.gov/library/calltoaction

Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (SPAN)
http://www.spanusa.org

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
http://www.yellowribbon.org/

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
http://www.mentalhealth.org/suicideprevention/

If you cannot reach the contacts listed above during a crisis:

• Take the individual to an emergency room or mental health walk-in clinic
• If the person is unconscious or unwilling to go to an emergency room, call 9-1-1.
• Do not leave the person alone until professional help is with him/her
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt