How to Recognize and Help When Someone is in Distress

The new nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The new nationwide Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessed by dialing or texting 988. Counseling and Psychological Services continue to be available to SNC students for mental and emotional health concerns, including after hour crisis response (through campus safety at (920) 403-3299). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides care and support to people experiencing stressful situations—whether that is thoughts of suicide, a mental health concern, or a substance use issue. It is a free and confidential service that is available 24/7 with an easy to remember 3 digit number. People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by CALLING, TEXTING or CHAT at 988lifeline.org (English only).

Wisconsinites who use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will connect with an in-state service known as the Wisconsin Lifeline. The person contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is connected with a trained counselor who takes note of the person's needs, understands how the person's problem is affecting them, provides support, and, if needed, gets the person additional help. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/crisis/988.htm

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Watching a friend, student or family member struggle with emotional problems can be challenging and frightening. You may wonder, “How can I tell if this is really serious? “How can I best help my friend?” “What will the college do in a situation like this?”

Below is some information about common misperceptions about mental health and suicide; signs that someone is experiencing a crisis; ways to help; and campus resources.

Common Myths About Suicide

Myth: People who talk about suicide won’t actually attempt suicide. 
Fact: 70-75% of people who attempt or commit suicide give some verbal or non-verbal clues about their intentions.

Some signs someone may be thinking about suicide include:

• Direct references to thoughts of suicide or death. “I wish I were dead. “Everyone is better off without me.”
• Statements of intent or plans to attempt suicide
• Obtaining weapons or other means of committing suicide
• Giving away possessions
• Saying goodbye
• Vague references to unusual thoughts. “I’ve been having stupid thoughts,” etc.
• Depression or symptoms of depression
• Expressions of despair and hopelessness. “I don’t think things will get better.” “I don’t know if I can do this anymore.” “Life is pointless.”
• Erratic attendance or neglect of usual responsibilities such as going to class or work
• Neglecting hygiene, appearance or necessary functions such as eating and sleeping
• Withdrawal or isolation from social relationships and/or activities
• Extreme mood swings or changes in personality
• Impulsivity and/or violence

Myth: Asking someone if they are considering suicide might put that thought into their head.
Fact: Asking someone about suicide is not going to give them the idea if they haven’t already been thinking about it

In fact, asking directly lets that person know that you are willing to hear about their pain and help them.

Myth: Once people start thinking or talking about suicide, there’s no way to stop them.
Fact: People who consider suicide don’t generally want to die – they just want their pain to stop.

If you think a friend may be thinking about suicide you can:

• Approach your friend directly, at a time when you can speak in private, and say you are concerned/worried. “I’m concerned about you. If something is wrong, I’d like to help.”
• Give specific examples of their words and behaviors that you’re concerned about. “I’ve noticed you haven’t sat with us at lunch for the last several days.”
• Invite them to talk about it. Then listen openly to what they have to say. “Would you like to talk about what’s going on?” “Are you ok?”
• Remind them that depression, suicidal feeling and other mental health concerns are treatable. St. Norbert Counseling & Psychological Services offers free counseling to St. Norbert students and have information to help refer students who may need or want services off campus.

Myth: There is no connection between suicide and alcohol use.
Fact: Use of alcohol or other drugs can increase someone’s impulsivity while decreasing their inhibitions and ability to think rationally.

People who are drinking during or in response to an emotional crisis may be at greater risk for suicidal or other risky acts.

Myth: The college kicks out students who have made suicide attempts.
Fact: Any time a student is a serious risk to themselves or others, including if a student has attempted suicide, the college’s first concern is to be sure that the student is safe, not to kick them out of school.

In many cases the college may require documentation from a health professional who has evaluated the student to assess the student’s readiness to be in the academic environment and give recommendations for how the college can best support the student. In the vast majority of cases, the college is going to work with that student to help get back on track academically and to make sure that a good support network and safety plan are in place.

Common Questions About Suicide

How can I tell if someone is experiencing a crisis or might be suicidal?
Some signs that someone may be experiencing general emotional distress or in crisis include:

• Change in behavior or mood
• Change in appearance or hygiene
• Change in sleeping or eating
• Change in substance use
• Change in work and/or school attendance and/or completion
• Isolation/withdrawal from friends and family
• Talking about suicide or being preoccupied with thoughts about death

What are some things to avoid?
There are a few things that aren’t so helpful when a friend is in crisis. Some things not to do include:

• Don’t act like you have all the answers or offer cliches or simple advice. (e.g., “Don’t worry, be happy,” “What you should do is...”)
• Don’t promise to keep secrets – if someone says they will talk to you about an issue “only if you promise not to tell anyone,” it’s important to be up front in saying you cannot make that promise because you care about them and want them to get any help that they may need. You don’t want to keep a secret and regret it. 
• Don’t act shocked by what someone tells you.
• Don’t assume the situation will resolve itself.
• If someone is expressing thoughts of suicide, do not leave them alone to the best of your ability. For example, ask someone else to make a call for help or sit with them while you call for assistance.

What should I ask someone if I think they might be suicidal?

• Ask directly if they are considering killing themselves. Ask more than once if the answer is unclear. (e.g. “Have you thought of not wanting to live anymore? Are you thinking about killing yourself? Have you thought about how you would do it?”
• Ask them if they have a plan for how they will attempt suicide.
• Ask if they have the means.
• Ask if they have taken any steps toward implementing their plan.

What should I do if the person says “yes”?
First, take any expressed suicidal intent seriously. If the person says they’re thinking of killing themselves, and especially if they have a specific plan and a means of doing so, the best thing you can do for them is to get help. Let them know you are calling for help and elicit their cooperation if possible. If you suspect the person may be suicidal, but they are being vague or refusing to discuss it, it’s better to get help to be on the safe side. The quickest way to get help on campus is to call Campus Safety at 920-403-3299. Campus Safety will be able to contact on-call professional staff and emergency responders. 

What should I do if I’m worried about someone and just not sure how to respond?
There are several resources available to assist you in figuring out how to best help your friend. The staff at Counseling and Psychological Services located in the lower level of Main Hall or at 920-403-3045 are available to consult with members of the St. Norbert College community. They can talk with you about what you’re observing, strategies for responding and specific resources to share. Another way to seek assistance is to visit Share A Concern. Follow the prompts to get help for someone you are concerned about.