Suicide

Staff and faculty: Tips for talking about suicide

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Staff and faculty: Tips for talking about suicide Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/30/2022 - 00:00

The end of the semester can be a difficult time for students. Added pressure to perform well, meet expectations or reach certain milestones can negatively impact the mental health of many. College students are at increased risk for suicide, especially during high-stress times of the year. Talking about suicide, even if the conversation is brief, can encourage people who are at risk to seek support.

Here are some tips for staff and faculty who are concerned that a student may be struggling or thinking about suicide.

Know the warning signs

While suicides may take us by surprise or feel unexpected, there can be subtle or more obvious signs that precede suicidal behaviors. Knowing potential warning signs and ways to intervene can dramatically reduce the risks of suicidal behaviors.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

Sudden changes in academic performance (e.g. cutting class, missing assignments, etc.)
Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time (including in class)
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
Neglecting their appearance or hygiene

Increased alcohol or other drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family or peer groups
Engaging in violent or self-destructive behaviors
Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or there is no reason to live
Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behaviors

Feeling desperate or trapped, like there is no way out
Feelings of hopelessness
Noticeable decline or worsening of mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.)
Giving away possessions

If you notice these warning signs, there are ways you can support students and help them connect with resources.

Red Folder is a great tool for faculty and staff that walks you through the steps of recognizing concerning behaviors, reaching out to students and referring them to additional resources.

Share your concerns

If you’re concerned about a student and feel comfortable talking with them, gently share what you’ve noticed and your desire to help. Try to arrange a time to meet with them privately to discuss your concerns. It can be helpful to provide concrete examples of behaviors that you’ve noticed. For instance, you may say “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling to keep up with assignments recently” or “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been spending as much time with others in class.” Acknowledging their distress can help open the door for conversation.

If you’re not comfortable approaching a student with your concerns, consider filling out an online referral for Student Support and Case Management. Their office can reach out to students to follow-up and provide additional support. You can also reach out to the health and wellness liaisons within your college for additional support.

Ask the question

When talking with students, don’t be afraid to ask directly about suicide or self-harm. Contrary to what we may think, talking about suicide directly isn’t going to plant the idea in their head. If they have been thinking about suicide or self-harm, asking them about it can be a relief and an opportunity for them to talk about it more openly.

When you ask, express your care by saying something like “I’m asking because I care. Are you thinking about suicide?” If they aren’t, they’ll let you know. Asking students, even if they aren’t thinking about suicide, lets them know that it’s okay to talk about it in the future if things change. If they are thinking about suicide, it’s likely time to help them connect with mental health resources on campus.

Listen

Listen to students without judgment, and resist the urge to give them advice. It’s important to understand our students’ pain and what they’re experiencing. Keep in mind that suicidal behaviors are often short-term and situation-specific. In many cases, suicide ideation is an attempt to control or manage significant pain. When the pain subsides, suicide ideation often dissipates with it. However, understanding the source of our students’ pain (e.g. academic pressures, mental health concerns, etc.) can help us better support them and connect them with resources.

Manage your emotions

Talking about suicide can be challenging, especially if a student says they are considering committing suicide. It’s important to notice your own emotional response and seek support if needed. If students pick up on our own distress or anxiety when discussing the topic of suicide, they may feel like we are not able to handle what they have to tell us and may shut us out. Instead, try to reiterate your care and concern. Let them know that you are there for them and you want them to be okay.

Instill hope

Let students know that there are resources available to help them and things can get better. Here are some on-campus resources that are available to help students who are struggling with mental health concerns or thoughts of suicide.

 If you or someone you know is threatening to imminently kill or harm themselves, call 911 and request emergency mental health support.

Resources for students

Welfare checks

Welfare checks can be instituted by any police department if you’re concerned about the health, safety or welfare of someone. Be prepared to give the exact address (residence hall and room number if on campus) as well as the reason for your concerns.

On campus: CUPD 303-492-6666
Off campus: Boulder Police 303-441-3333

Emergency/urgent resource

Crisis services

If a student is in need of urgent or same-day support, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides crisis support 24/7. Call 303-492-2277 to connect with a triage counselor.

Urgent resource

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

SSCM provides support for students throughout their time at ��ӽ紫ý. They are here to help students identify issues and appropriate resources. They also work collaboratively with students to develop an action plan.

Urgent resource

Let’s Talk

If a student is not currently suicidal but may be struggling, Let’s Talk is a great way to get connected with support services. They can meet one-on-one with a counselor for a confidential consultation that can help them gain insight and connect with additional resources on campus.

Workshops

If a student is not currently suicidal but may be struggling, workshops are a great way for students to learn coping skills related to anxiety, stress and other painful emotions. Workshops are available throughout the week and are covered by the student mental health fee.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event.

Resources for staff and faculty

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

FSAP provides free short-term counseling to ��ӽ紫ý staff and faculty. All FSAP providers are trained as generalist counselors and are equipped to help you navigate a wide range of personal- and work-related issues.

Available to staff and faculty

Crisis services

If you or a colleague is in need of urgent or same-day support, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 or 800-273-8255 (English) or 888-628-9454 (Spanish).

Available to staff and faculty

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Available to staff and faculty

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

SSCM provides individualized support to students. SSCM case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while also building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.

Student referrals

Health and Wellness liaisons

��ӽ紫ý colleges and schools have access to dedicated teams of liaisons from Counseling and Psychiatric Services, the Office of Victim Assistance and Health Promotion.

Student referrals

Red Folder

Red Folder provides information on how to recognize signs of distress, tips for responding and how to refer a student to the appropriate campus resources.

Student referrals

The end of the semester can be a difficult time for students. Here are some tips for staff and faculty who are concerned that a student may be struggling or thinking about suicide.

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Mental Health Is... Connection

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Mental Health Is... Connection Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/25/2021 - 00:00

Making friends as an adult can be challenging. However, having a strong desire to connect, make friends and socialize is an experience we all share. Check out these tips to learn how to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Why connection matters for our mental health

While it may feel challenging, finding meaningful connections is important for our mental health. Socializing with our peers, mentors, friends, family and community can improve a number of areas of mental health. In fact, those who are closely connected to their friends and family tend to have lower rates of depression and suicide (including suicidal thoughts), higher self-esteem, more empathy and more trust in others. Additionally, feeling connected gives us a sense of belonging, support and purpose throughout our lives.

Here are some tips that can help you make meaningful connections now, throughout college and into the future.

1. Ease your expectations

Sometimes when we are in search of new friends, we tend to expect one person to have it all. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not always realistic to expect a single person to meet all of our needs. For example, you may have a friend who is great to study with or watch sports with, while another may be better as a confidant. Managing expectations around what people are able to bring to a friendship (or relationship in general) can help us create a more robust social network that we can rely on for different things.

It’s also important to ease your expectations with yourself. Many of us may feel pressured to make as many friends as quickly as we possibly can, and that may not always be possible. Instead, remember that it’s okay if it takes time to build relationships or find the right friend group. Show yourself compassion throughout the process, and know that relationships can take practice to develop.

These practices apply in real life and on social media, too. In most cases, our social feeds only capture the highlights of someone’s life and what you see online doesn’t always show the full picture. As you scroll through your social accounts, it’s important to avoid making comparisons between yourself and the people you follow. Consider hiding or unfollowing content that impacts your mood, self-image, confidence or mental health.

2. Take advantage of opportunities for small talk

There are plenty of reasons to not like small talk. For one, it can be uncomfortable or awkward, especially if you’re on the shyer side or don’t know someone that well. However, it also offers a surprising number of benefits when it comes to forming friendships. In fact, small talk plays a significant role in paving the way for more meaningful connections.

Whether we’re talking to a casual acquaintance or someone new, small talk can help us build up to more meaningful conversations and connections. For instance, asking someone about their weekend plans may help inform us about their hobbies or interests. These insights can be helpful in moving the conversation forward. Take advantage of these moments to bond over common interests or learn more about someone by asking follow-up questions.

Small talk can also be beneficial for those of us who may feel out of practice. In many ways, it’s the perfect opportunity to practice conversation skills. Most people expect small talk to be awkward or challenging, so it’s the perfect time to test out subjects, questions and other strategies to get to know someone without the pressure of a formal conversation.

3. Work with discomfort

When we meet new people, it’s normal to feel nervous, awkward or anxious. Learning to work with and overcome those feelings is key to allowing ourselves to meet new people and develop relationships.

Physical tension: If you experience physical discomfort, practice grounding techniques such as reporting factual information about the present moment. In your head, state your name, age, today’s date, your location and other details to bring you back to the present moment.
Nervous thoughts: If you struggle with nervous or worried thoughts, consider ways that you can acknowledge and recognize these thoughts without acting on them. One way to do this is to separate yourself from your thoughts through labeling. For instance, if you are feeling concerned that the other person may not like you, try labeling it as, “I am having the thought that this person may not like me.” Separating yourself from your thoughts can be a good reminder that just because you’re having the thought doesn’t make it true. It’s okay to be yourself and let others get to know the real you.

Additionally, if you’re still experiencing stressful thoughts related to COVID-19, it can be helpful to plan meet-ups in a way that makes you feel safe and comfortable. For example, you may feel better hanging out outside or limiting your group size. Creating an environment that helps you feel more at ease is key, as it allows you to focus more energy on getting to know the people you’re with instead of focusing on those thoughts.

4. Schedule time to be social

Balancing school, work and social activities can be difficult. Setting clear boundaries for yourself can help you have a meaningful social life alongside your other responsibilities.

Scheduling time throughout the week to do something social can be helpful, especially if it feels like you have limited time or there is a lot on your plate. Whether you’re interested in joining a fitness class, book club or student organization, getting involved on campus and becoming a regular is a great way to meet new people and form friendships. In fact, the more you show up, the easier it may be to connect with other people who are regulars as well.

It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to seek out social opportunities without feeling pressured to create deep connections. Sometimes, it’s just as nice to attend an event or hang out with others for an hour before returning to your normal routine. Thinking about activities and events this way can also help alleviate the pressure that comes with trying to make friends as quickly as possible.

5. Try something new

There is no “right” way to make friends. Trying out different approaches to meet people can help you find what works best for you. Here are a few ideas to try:

Group activities

While it would be nice to get to get to know people individually, group activities can be a great alternative. For example, inviting someone to a group chat may feel less intimidating than directly asking for their number. Additionally, socializing in small groups can help reduce the pressure to engage with someone one-on-one.

Everyday conversations

Practice conversation skills during everyday interactions. This can help you feel more comfortable making conversation (and keeping the conversation going). For instance, it may be helpful to practice with a cashier or customer service representative. Ask them questions about their day and allow yourself to briefly connect.

Conversation starters

Think through some things to talk about or bring up in conversation. It may be helpful to watch others, read or increase your range of activities and experiences. Having a few go-to conversation starters can help you learn more about people and connect with them.

Share strategically

As we begin to develop new relationships, it may be better to keep our stories and answers short. It can be tempting to give details about ourselves and go in-depth when answering questions. However, it’s important to remember that giving too much information too soon can be overwhelming for some people. Keep in mind how much the other person is sharing with you and what kind of relationship you have.

Social apps

Apps can be a great tool to help you talk and get to know people in a low-pressure setting. Bumble BFF can help you find platonic connections, whether you’re looking for a workout buddy, roommate or new best friend. Patook allows you to make platonic connections with people nearby who share common interests (no flirting allowed). Finally, MeetUp is a free service that organizes online groups that host in-person events for people based on location, hobbies, causes and more. They also allow you to start groups of your own!

Connect with other Buffs and resources

There are a number of resources available at ��ӽ紫ý that can help you feel more connected, whether you’re looking to join a student group, attend social events and activities or find additional support.

Student groups and communities

There are a number of student groups on campus that can connect you with people who have similar majors, interests and hobbies. Here are just a few:

Student organizations: You can explore student organizations, leadership opportunities and upcoming events through BuffConnect.
Sport Clubs: If you’re interested in competing in intercollegiate sports, Sport Clubs is a great way to get involved. CU has over 30 teams for mens, womens and co-ed sports.
Peer mentor programs: There are a number of peer mentor programs through colleges, schools and programs at ��ӽ紫ý. These programs are designed to help students connect and support each other during their time at CU. You can also meet with a Peer Wellness Coach for more generalized support.
Living experiences: If you live on campus, there are a number of ways to get involved in your residence hall, including Res Hall events and living experiences.
Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC): If you’re currently in recovery, interested in recovery or are a recovery ally, the CUCRC is a great place to get connected with others through free meetings, events and activities.
Fraternity & Sorority Life: ��ӽ紫ý has a vibrant fraternity and sorority community with 28 active chapters.

Social events and activities

If you’re looking to meet new people, make friends or just hang out for a few hours, campus events and activities are a great way to get connected. Here are a few options to check out:

Rec Center: The Rec Center offers a variety of free events and programs in addition to student trips, classes and workshops for all ability levels.
Health Promotion: Health Promotion offers weekly wellness programs to help students, connect, practice self-care and work toward their wellness goals.
Student events: Student Affairs hosts hundreds of free events on campus throughout the semester, including Fri-YAY Nights, Buffs After Dark and more!
Volunteering: If you’re looking for a way to get involved in a specific cause or give back to the community, the Volunteer Resource Center has a number of opportunities open to students.
Center of Student Involvement (CSI): CSI offers a variety of events, activities and social groups for students, including trivia nights, book clubs, bowling and more.

Support services

If you or someone you know is struggling to connect on campus or feeling isolated, there are support services available to help. Here are a few options for finding support:

Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): CAPS offers a number of mental health and support services for students, including therapy groups, workshops and drop-ins through Let’s Talk.
Health Promotion: If you are struggling with finding a community, navigating campus life or need support, Peer Wellness Coaching is a great free peer-to-peer option.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): ISSS is available to help international students through mentor programs, events, activities and community.
Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC): CISC supports all students in the exploration of their identities and creates a welcoming and inclusive space on campus that provides academic and personal growth. You can also connect with them through the Pride Office.

Making friends as an adult can be challenging. Here are some tips that can help you make meaningful friendships now and into the future.

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