Universities push for depression, suicide awareness

Nov. 07--Suicide is one of the most common causes of death for young people in the United States.

"It is the second cause of death for people in their late teens and early 20s," said Dr. Cassandra Nichols, director of Washington State University counseling and testing services.

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control reported suicide as the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

The prevalence of suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts is also higher between ages 18 and 29, according to the CDC.

At this age, there are a lot of changes happening and new stressors being added.

"Life is more stressful, there are more demands on you," said Sharon Fritz, licensed psychologist and University of Idaho professor.

Young adults have fewer coping strategies as they move away from home and friends and encounter new life decisions, she said. It can very distressing, she said.

Locally, Pullman Police Detective Sgt. Dan Hargraves said they tend to see an increase in suicide-related calls this time of the year.

Nichols said that may just be from an increase in the population, though, because the CDC reports spring and summer as the highest suicide times of the year.

More self or third-party reporting, though, is a step in the right direction.

"We see these as positive things when they come in," Nichols said.

Pullman police reported receiving 23 suicide threats and 10 attempts from individuals under the age of 30, so far in 2014.

Of those calls, 21 were for people under the age of 22.

Two individuals have taken their lives this year. One, a 21-year-old woman in March and most recently, a 22-year-old man on Oct. 29. A 24-year-old woman, as reported above, also took her life Oct. 14 in Moscow.

Since Oct. 24, between Pullman and WSU police, Moscow Police Department and Whitman and Latah County Sheriff Offices, they have responded to 10 suicide-related calls.

There are a lot of students adjusting and coming back to school or even starting for the first time, Fritz said.

"Most college students have a different drinking pattern than when they're not in school," she said.

When they come back to school, and drinking increases, it can cause risky, impulsive behavior and can bring out additional stresses or lack of sleep.

While people may think drinking helps with the stress, ultimately it is not a helpful way to solve such issues, she said.

Both WSU and the UI are taking major steps to raise awareness of depression and suicidal thoughts, in an attempt to increase people coming forward for their self or their friends.

"We are doing a lot more work on mental health concerns or suicides," Nichols said. "If a friend notices a friend at a high risk it is often times really helpful to walk them over to counseling serves or health services."

Common warning sides of depression or suicidal thoughts, she said, are expressing feelings of hopelessness, increased use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing from others, dramatic mood changes or acting out in risky or impulsive behaviors.

"You may not recognize they are suicidal, but you may recognize the other risky behavior," Nichols said.

Fritz said the key is to pay attention to your friends or self, and follow up.

Following up is key because they may lie -- out of shame or fear -- the first time they are approached, she said.

"We are trying to help destigmatize seeking help," Fritz said. "We are seeing a national effort to raise that awareness."

Talking more about suicide can urge people to recognize the warning signs in others or in their self and not be as afraid to come forward.

Both WSU and UI Counseling and Testing Centers take immediate walk-in appointments for students seeking help. There are also 24-hour hotlines locally and nationally. Calling 911 or going to the emergency room if it is an immediate emergency, is the best option.

Samantha Malott can be reached at (208) 883-4639, or by email to smalott@dnews.com.

Hotlines

--Call 911 for immediate emergencies

--UI students can call the UI counseling services hotline 24-hours a day at: (208) 885-6716.

--WSU students can call the WSU counseling crisis line at (509) 335-4511 during normal business hours or (509) 335-2159 after hours or on holidays.

--National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)

--Treatment Advocacy Center: (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)

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