- Making suicide threats
- Substance Abuse
- Giving away possessions
- Engaging in risk-taking behaviors
- Self-harm (cutting, burning, etc.)
- Frequently talking about death
- Drastic changes in mood and behavior
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Acquiring the means for suicide (guns, drugs, rope, etc.)
- Talking about a specific plan regarding how they might harm themselves
- Aggressiveness and Irritability
- Isolating self, social withdrawal
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness, no hope for the future
- Persistent depression, sadness, lack of energy
- Major changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Making final arrangements (writing a will, etc.)
If you are concerned that you or a friend are at risk for suicide, please use the contacts listed on the Counseling Services home page.
Protective Factors
- Stay connected with others
- Learn new coping skills for stress, depression, or anxiety
- Make sure to get enough sleep, 7+ hours each night
- Proper nutrition and exercise boost the body’s natural stress relief system
- Make sure to take care of any health needs you may have
- Get outside! Research shows that exposure to natural vitamin D (sunshine) boosts our mood
- Be kind to yourself, everybody makes mistakes and has bad days
- Reach out if you are struggling – free and confidential services are available for Owens students