Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Some warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing 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

Depression

Some individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts are also struggling with depression or other mental health concerns. While depression does not always lead to suicidal thoughts, recognizing signs of emotional distress can help you support yourself or someone you care about.

Some sign of depression may include:

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping much more than usual
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Loss of interest in activities that once felt enjoyable
• Feeling tired or lacking energy most of the time
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or excessive guilt
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or completing daily tasks
• Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Increased irritability, sadness, or emotional numbness

When Someone May Be at Increased Risk

While there is no single cause of suicide, certain experiences and warning signs may indicate that someone is struggling and could benefit from additional support. Risk may be elevated when a person is experience one or more of the following:

• Persistent feelings of hopelessness, despair, or feeling trapped
• Difficulty sleeping or severe insomnia
• Talking about of death, dying, or wanting to disappear
• A previous suicide attempt or history of self-harm
• Increased anxiety, agitation, anger, or dramatic changes in mood
• Increased use of alcohol or other substances
• A significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, academic setbacks, or changes in health or functioning
• Frequent themes of death, hopelessness, or isolation in conversations, writing, artwork, or social media posts
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities that once felt meaningful
• Giving away valued possessions, saying goodbye, or putting personal affairs in order
• Expressing a desire to die or discussing a specific plan for suicide

If someone is showing these warning signs, it is important to take them seriously. Reaching out, listening with compassion, and helping the person connect with professional support can make a meaningful difference. 

When to Be Concerned

College can be a time of growth, discovery, and connection, but they can also bring significant stress and change. Students may face challenges that affect their mental health, including:

• Adjusting to a new environment or community
• Balancing academic, social, work, and personal responsibilities
• Being away from family, friends, and other support systems
• Feeling of loneliness or isolation
• Pressure related to grades, achievement, or expectations
• Relationship difficulties, financial stress, or other life changes

When someone is struggling, they may begin to feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or disconnected from others. It is important to remember that these feelings can change, support is available, and help can make a meaningful difference. Many people who experience suicidal thoughts are not certain they want to die; rather, they want relief from intense emotional pain. 

Seek Immediate Help If:

If any of these situations arise, call Campus Police at 508-831-5555, call 911, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate assistance:

• They have expressed a desire to die or kill themselves
• They have talked about a specific plan for suicide
• They have access to means such as medications, weapons, or other potentially lethal methods

If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, you do not need to wait for a crisis to seek help. Contact the Student Development & Counseling Center (SDCC) at 508-831-5540 to speak with a counselor about available support and resources. 

How to Help Someone Who May Be in Danger

If you are worried someone may be thinking about suicide, trust your instincts and take action.

• Ask directly. Talking about suicide does not increase risk. It’s okay to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
• Listen without judgement. Give the person space to talk and let them know you care. .
• Take it seriously. Never dismiss or minimize statements about wanting to die or feeling hopeless.
• Connect them to help. Encourage them to speak with a counselor, healthcare provider, or trusted person.
• Don’t keep it a secret. Do not agree to keep suicidal thoughts or plans a secret. You can say, “I care about you too much to keep this to myself. Your safety is the most important thing right now.”
• Remove immediate risks. If possible, help limit access to firearms, medications, or other means. Involve the person in creating a plan to stay safe.
• In an acute crisis, stay with them. If someone is in immediate danger, stay with them and help them access emergency support.  If you need assistance, call Campus Police at 508-831-5555. If off-campus, dial 911. The nearest emergency room is UMass Memorial Medical Center, 281 Lincoln St. Worcester, 508-334-1000.

Some of the information for this section was adapted from resources provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Disclaimer

We have included links to other websites and we encourage students to evaluate the materials and to use what they find to be helpful. Please keep in mind that WPI cannot assume responsibility for information on other websites.

Information on the web is not intended as a substitute for assistance from the SDCC. For personal assistance, WPI students should contact the SDCC at 508-831-5540 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional staff members.