Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Knowing the warning signs could help save a life. Knowing the indicators of an impending suicide or suicidal thoughts/behaviors may help save a life:
These indicators include the following:

Depressed mood
Loss of interest in activities
Showing little emotion
Talking about dying
Using alcohol or other substances to “feel better”
Recent crisis or loss of loved one
Self-harming behaviors
Threats of suicide
Having a plan to commit suicide
Feeling like life is not worth

DO NOT WAIT! Ask for help or refer a friend if you think they are suicidal or have made threats to harm him/herself. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 immediately. Individuals often don't refer their friends to counseling or reveal their suicide threats out of fear for their relationship, but remember that their life is at stake.

ULifeline.org

Another excellent resource is the Jed Foundation, a national organization that works to “promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college students.” Concord is linked with the Jed Foundation through a resource called ULifeline.org. ULifeline has many resources to assist students who may be struggling, including a self-evaluation tool, a 24-hour Hotline, Lifeline Chat, Crisis Text Line, Veterans Crisis Line, and more.

The Jed Foundation also lists useful tips for students going back to school. Click HERE for how to start the school year off right!

Jamie's Law

Jamie's Law, passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2015, is aimed at increasing awareness of suicide prevention, including resources available on college campuses. The WV Higher Education Policy Commission created a webpage that lists some of these resources. Click HERE for more information.

Help for depression includes the following:

24 Hour Toll Free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
24 Hour Toll Free Hotline at ulifeline.org or 1-800-273-8255; or text Start to 741-741
Southern Highlands Crisis Line (located in southern WV) at 1-800-615-0122 or 1-304-425-0122
The Behavioral Health Pavilion of the Virginias (Psychiatry) at 304-325-4673, 24-Hour Crisis Services/Inpatient Referral 304-325-4681, Outpatient Services 304-327-9205
Concord University Counseling Center at 304-384-5290/6087. In an emergency, call 911.

For more information, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org.