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Three simple steps could save a life

September 5, 2014

Nearly 10 percent of all college students seriously contemplate suicide in any given year, and around 1.5 percent will attempt it, according to national statistics provided by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. On the USI campus, that hypothetically equates to approximately 941 contemplations and 149 attempts annually. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among traditional college-aged people in the United States. While many of us may feel helpless in making a difference, Dr. Thomas Longwell, director of USI'sCounseling Center, says that just listening and showing you care can make a real impact. "So much of what helps people is not complex therapeutic techniques, but just knowing that you have someone across from you that simply cares," he said.

From 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 13 in Carter Hall in University Center West, QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training will be offered free to the entire University community with concurrent sessions offered to faculty/staff and students. The training is a part of a national program. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, and equips participants with three basic tools to help someone in a suicidal crisis. It helps participants recognize the warning signs and how to communicate effectively. The training also coincides with National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.

Longwell says suicidal thoughts rarely equate to a desire to die, but rather are about a sense of hopelessness or a feeling of being trapped that seems unending. "It's not that it's a good option, but in that moment they feel as if it's the only option, and that is what can overcome that natural instinct to stay alive," he said.

Many people are afraid to intervene, fearing they may say the wrong things or because they are not experts, will not be able to provide proper guidance. "What this presentation does is give you a lot of good information, a sense of understanding, and a framework for how to intervene," said Longwell. "That framework gives you a sense of confidence and can help take away some of the fear."

Along with the QPR training, Longwell and his team will lead listening workshops, which not only prove valuable in suicide prevention, but also in everyday situations. He refers to a Stephen Covey quote, author of the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." Longwell says it's crucial to listen carefully instead of trying to jump quickly to a possible solution. Many times people just need to talk.

"When we're struggling with physical or emotional pain, we try to open the door to people around us to talk about it," he said. "People will often allude to suicidal thinking, but most don't come right out and say it. They are opening the door, and you have to step through by asking about suicide. When somebody does talk about suicide, you have to follow up on it."

Students in need can be referred to the Counseling Center or the Campus Action Response and Engagement (CARE) Team, but, due to the scope of depression and other mental health struggles, it is important that the entire USI community be involved. "The goal of the training is not to make people mental health professionals and yet, at the same time, when people are struggling, the people they go to are the people in their environment," said Longwell.

Pre-registration for the training is required and QPR Training certificates will be issued to participates upon completion. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Longwell at btlongwell@usi.edu or 812-464-1867.

For the month of September, yellow ribbons can be picked up in the USI Counseling Center, University Health Center and Dean of Students Office, or by emailing Stephanie Cunningham at scunningha@usi.edu and requesting one be sent to your office or department. Wearing a yellow ribbon symbolizes support for those who have been impacted by suicide and the knowledge that suicide is preventable.

Additional resources:

Southwest Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention Line: 812-422-1100

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

USI Campus CARE guide

Guidelines for helping a student under distress

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