It’s OK to Ask for Help

The Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week was created as a few students in the years 2003 and 2004 “committed suicide around the time of spring break,” said Gary Rodriguez, Health Promotion and Prevention Specialist.

 

Everyone feels down and overwhelmed at times by school, work, family, friends, finances, relationships, or the death of a loved one. “It is normal to feel sad, angry, anxious, hopeless or frustrated,” said Bonnie Sultan, Assistant Director of Suicide Prevention Services. After a few days or weeks, most individuals begin to feel better and calm down, returning back to him or her self.

However, if an individual thinks about suicide a few times a day, weeks, or months it represents a serious health problem. Individuals may begin to think of suicide as a way to release pain, stress, trouble finding a solution for physical or mental issues, or might feel he or she does not deserve time or effort to receive help.

 

According to the Truth about Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College documentary, “A person dies by suicide about every 15 minutes in the United states. Over 34,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year. An attempt is estimated to be made once every 40 seconds. Between 20 and 50 percent of people who kill themselves had previously attempted suicide. Although the majority of people who die by suicide have not made a previous attempt, a serious suicide attempt is a clear risk factor for suicide death.”

 

If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts do not leave her or him alone, there are services available. The CSUMB Personal Growth and Counseling Center has nine trained counselors, “there is always someone available to help,” said Rodriguez.

 

In addition, Mary Ellen Olson, President of To Write Love on Her Arms U chapter, has open group session where students talk and relate about their problems every Sunday at 8 pm in the Student Center, room 120. Also the Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, just by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).