Debunking suicide myths is essential for fostering a safer campus environment. Here are five common myths about suicide and the truths that counter them.
During National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month each September, it is a time to remember those lives lost to suicide, acknowledge those who are struggling, and help them find hope and support.
Date: Wednesday October 23, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: IMU Main Lounge
Join us for a day full of mental health knowledge, free games, and fun!
University of Iowa Suicide Prevention Coalition
The Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC) connects students, faculty, and staff to create a holistic, sustainable, research-driven, and culturally informed approach to suicide prevention. It aims to foster an authentic sense of belonging, reduce the stigma of mental health and suicide, and facilitate collective hope to reduce suicide on campus. The SPC meets monthly to implement a strategic plan focused on conducting research, offering trainings on how to assist others in crisis, implementing prevention programs, expanding mental health interventions, and caring for individuals and communities post suicide. Led by staff from University Counseling Service, the coalition is comprised of faculty and staff from key campus departments that support students’ mental health, physical health, wellness, and safety. Representatives from the Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate and Professional Student Government also hold membership on the coalition and offer unique and necessary student perspectives on programs.
For questions regarding the Suicide Prevention Coalition or if you are interested in joining the coalition, please contact one of the coalition’s co-chairs, Dr. Marie Adams (marie-adams@uiowa.edu) or Dr. Michael Fletcher (michael-a-fletcher@uiowa.edu).
Suicide Signs and Crisis Resources
Increased or excessive substance (alcohol or drug) use
Feeling unbearable pain
Feeling like a burden to others
Feeling as if one has no sense of purpose in life or expressing no reason for living
Increased anxiety, agitation, and being unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time
Feeling trapped-like there is no way out; resistance to help
Feeling worthless
Feelings of intense shame
Feeling hopeless about the future
Withdrawing from friends, family, and society, including feeling misunderstood based on factors involving culture or identity
Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
Losing interest in personal appearance or personal hygiene
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Giving away prized possessions
Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns
Dramatic mood changes
Some behaviors may clearly indicate that an emergency is happening or that a person is experiencing a mental health crisis. In particular, if you are observing the following behaviors, you should immediately strive to connect the person with professional help via one of the crisis resources listed below.
Talking about immediate harm to oneself or others
Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or others
Planning to attempt suicide (e.g. searching online for information on how to attempt suicide, writing or asking about how to kill oneself, recent increased discussion of suicide or fascination with death)
New or increased engagement in self-harm behaviors (e.g. cutting, burning, or hitting self)
Acting in an unexpected or erratic manner that leads you to be concerned for their safety
911: If you or someone you know is in danger, or you are in an emergency situation, call 911
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicide crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. You can call, text, or chat online.
UI Support and Crisis Line: The UI Support and Crisis Line is available any time via chat, phone or text at 844-461-5420. In partnership with CommUnity Crisis Services in Iowa City, the University of Iwa provides around-the-clock mental health crisis and support for all UI students, staff, and faculty.
Campus and Community Resources
University Counseling Service:Primary mental health resource on campus, offering free, short-term, and confidential mental health counseling services to all UI students. Also has a new online Community Provider Database available for those seeking private longer-term mental health care providers in the community.
Student Health Services: Delivers quality healthcare on campus to all UI students from providers in family medicine, gynecology, and psychiatry services.
Employee Assistance Program: Confidential, short-term counseling and referral service for UI faculty and staff.
GuideLink Center: Open 24/7/365 in Iowa City and offers onsite assessment and crisis stabilization for those experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises.
Mobile Crisis Outreach: Dispatches mental health counselors to your location in Johnson or Iowa County within the state of Iowa.
Student Care and Assistance: Supports all UI students to overcome challenges to be successful and continue towards graduation and can assist in managing crisis situations.
Threat Assessment Team: Supports campus safety by assessing, monitoring, and providing support for people exhibiting on usual distress, fixated grievances, and troubling behaviors.
Student Wellness: Offers appointments, group workshops, events and other programming for students on nutrition, fitness, stress management, alcohol and drugs, tobacco/e-cigarettes, sexual health and sleep.
