Recognizing warning signs and providing care to those who need it most
University is a time in life where many of us face complex issues as well as the added stresses and pressures of school.
With so many of us trying to manage these challenges and our own battles with mental illness, it can be difficult to recognize and effectively help a fellow Gryphon in need.
The last year has been especially tough on the Gryphon community as we lost four of our own due to suicide during the school year. There are also many more Gryphons who are battling mental illnesses such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
The following list contains some tips on how to help someone who may be struggling.
With so many of us trying to manage these challenges and our own battles with mental illness, it can be difficult to recognize and effectively help a fellow Gryphon in need.
Warning signs
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), there are several warning signs for suicide, remembered easily through the acronym IS PATH WARM.
Ideation: Thinking about suicide.
Substance use: Problems with drugs or alcohol.
Purposelessness: Feeling that there is no purpose or reason for living.
Anxiety: Intense anxiety, being overwhelmed, or being unable to cope.
Trapped: Feeling that there is no way out of a situation and feeling trapped.
Hopelessness or Helplessness: Feeling that there is no hope, that things will not get better.
Withdrawal: Avoiding family, friends, or activities.
Anger: Feeling and/or acting on unreasonable/irrational anger.
Recklessness: Engaging in harmful and/or risky behaviour.
Mood Change: A significant change in someone’s mood.
If someone is talking about suicide, this must be taken seriously. Don’t judge them. Reassure them that you believe them and are there for them.
These are some warning signs that could be present in someone who is feeling suicidal. Some other signs include:
- Talking about suicide
- Getting their affairs in order
- Saying goodbye
- Appearing to have a sudden sense of calm
How to help
Listen: Find a quiet, private place to talk and assure them that they can take as much time as they need to talk. Remember that although what they say may seem negative, just talking about it is a positive thing.
Sympathize: Remain calm, listen, and don’t judge. Be patient as they take their time to talk about what they are feeling. Tell them that you care about them and that they are important to you.
Give messages of hope: Assure the person that there is help available to them and that there are other options. Remind them that suicidal thoughts are temporary. Tell them again that you love them and care about them.
Take them seriously: If someone is talking about suicide, this must be taken seriously. Don’t judge them. Reassure them that you believe them and are there for them.
Keep your word: Don’t make promises to someone that you are unable to keep.
Asking for help can be the first step to healing, and offering help can save someone’s life.
Try to avoid:
- Arguing with the person
- Acting shocked that they are considering this
- Blaming yourself
Resources on campus:
Remember that when someone needs help there are also numerous resources on campus that can help. Recognizing when to call a professional or 911 is another important step to helping someone in need.
If you, or someone you know, needs support then any of these available resources are very valuable.
- Counselling Services
- Wellness Education Centre
- Student Support Network
- Good2Talk Post-Secondary Helpline
- OUTline
Detailed information on these resources is outlined in our student resource guide.
Asking for help can be the first step to healing, and offering help can save someone’s life.
Photo courtesy of Marusya via CC0.