It's National Suicide Prevention Week

More than 1,100 college students die by suicide each year. But suicide can be prevented. The most effective way to prevent suicide is to be aware of the warning signs and know the resources available.

Recognize the warning signs for suicide risk. Warning signs could include:

• Acquiring means to complete suicide
• Feeling hopeless or purposeless
• Overly withdrawn, feeling depressed or worthless
• Talking about wanting to kill oneself
• Increased substance use
• Dramatic mood changes
• Uncontrolled anger
• Being overly isolated

Help is available and effective.

• The Student Health and Counseling Center (Rasmuson Hall, Suites 116 and 120) provides free counseling to full-time students with same-day appointments available. For appointments and information, call (907) 786-4040.
• The Psychological Services Center (Social Sciences Building, Room 255) provides counseling for families and individuals by supervised graduate students in training. For more information, call (907) 786-1795.
• The Campus Police Department is available 24/7 to assist in emergencies. Call (907) 786-1120.
• The Alaska Careline is a 24-hour crisis hotline staffed by Alaskans. Call (877) 266-4357 if you or someone you know is in crisis, or if you have questions on how to help someone that is struggling with suicide.

To learn more about suicide prevention and the UAA-Integrated Suicide Prevention Initiative, visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/ispi.

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