Employee Suicide

Staff and faculty: Tips for talking about suicide

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Staff and faculty: Tips for talking about suicide Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/30/2022 - 00:00

The end of the semester can be a difficult time for students. Added pressure to perform well, meet expectations or reach certain milestones can negatively impact the mental health of many. College students are at increased risk for suicide, especially during high-stress times of the year. Talking about suicide, even if the conversation is brief, can encourage people who are at risk to seek support.

Here are some tips for staff and faculty who are concerned that a student may be struggling or thinking about suicide.

Know the warning signs

While suicides may take us by surprise or feel unexpected, there can be subtle or more obvious signs that precede suicidal behaviors. Knowing potential warning signs and ways to intervene can dramatically reduce the risks of suicidal behaviors.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

Sudden changes in academic performance (e.g. cutting class, missing assignments, etc.)
Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time (including in class)
Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
Neglecting their appearance or hygiene

Increased alcohol or other drug use
Withdrawing from friends, family or peer groups
Engaging in violent or self-destructive behaviors
Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or there is no reason to live
Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behaviors

Feeling desperate or trapped, like there is no way out
Feelings of hopelessness
Noticeable decline or worsening of mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.)
Giving away possessions

If you notice these warning signs, there are ways you can support students and help them connect with resources.

Red Folder is a great tool for faculty and staff that walks you through the steps of recognizing concerning behaviors, reaching out to students and referring them to additional resources.

Share your concerns

If you’re concerned about a student and feel comfortable talking with them, gently share what you’ve noticed and your desire to help. Try to arrange a time to meet with them privately to discuss your concerns. It can be helpful to provide concrete examples of behaviors that you’ve noticed. For instance, you may say “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling to keep up with assignments recently” or “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been spending as much time with others in class.” Acknowledging their distress can help open the door for conversation.

If you’re not comfortable approaching a student with your concerns, consider filling out an online referral for Student Support and Case Management. Their office can reach out to students to follow-up and provide additional support. You can also reach out to the health and wellness liaisons within your college for additional support.

Ask the question

When talking with students, don’t be afraid to ask directly about suicide or self-harm. Contrary to what we may think, talking about suicide directly isn’t going to plant the idea in their head. If they have been thinking about suicide or self-harm, asking them about it can be a relief and an opportunity for them to talk about it more openly.

When you ask, express your care by saying something like “I’m asking because I care. Are you thinking about suicide?” If they aren’t, they’ll let you know. Asking students, even if they aren’t thinking about suicide, lets them know that it’s okay to talk about it in the future if things change. If they are thinking about suicide, it’s likely time to help them connect with mental health resources on campus.

Listen

Listen to students without judgment, and resist the urge to give them advice. It’s important to understand our students’ pain and what they’re experiencing. Keep in mind that suicidal behaviors are often short-term and situation-specific. In many cases, suicide ideation is an attempt to control or manage significant pain. When the pain subsides, suicide ideation often dissipates with it. However, understanding the source of our students’ pain (e.g. academic pressures, mental health concerns, etc.) can help us better support them and connect them with resources.

Manage your emotions

Talking about suicide can be challenging, especially if a student says they are considering committing suicide. It’s important to notice your own emotional response and seek support if needed. If students pick up on our own distress or anxiety when discussing the topic of suicide, they may feel like we are not able to handle what they have to tell us and may shut us out. Instead, try to reiterate your care and concern. Let them know that you are there for them and you want them to be okay.

Instill hope

Let students know that there are resources available to help them and things can get better. Here are some on-campus resources that are available to help students who are struggling with mental health concerns or thoughts of suicide.

 If you or someone you know is threatening to imminently kill or harm themselves, call 911 and request emergency mental health support.

Resources for students

Welfare checks

Welfare checks can be instituted by any police department if you’re concerned about the health, safety or welfare of someone. Be prepared to give the exact address (residence hall and room number if on campus) as well as the reason for your concerns.

On campus: CUPD 303-492-6666
Off campus: 91��Ҹ� Police 303-441-3333

Emergency/urgent resource

Crisis services

If a student is in need of urgent or same-day support, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides crisis support 24/7. Call 303-492-2277 to connect with a triage counselor.

Urgent resource

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

SSCM provides support for students throughout their time at CU 91��Ҹ�. They are here to help students identify issues and appropriate resources. They also work collaboratively with students to develop an action plan.

Urgent resource

Let’s Talk

If a student is not currently suicidal but may be struggling, Let’s Talk is a great way to get connected with support services. They can meet one-on-one with a counselor for a confidential consultation that can help them gain insight and connect with additional resources on campus.

Workshops

If a student is not currently suicidal but may be struggling, workshops are a great way for students to learn coping skills related to anxiety, stress and other painful emotions. Workshops are available throughout the week and are covered by the student mental health fee.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

OVA provides free and confidential information, consultation, support, advocacy and short-term counseling services for students, grad students, faculty and staff who have experienced a traumatic, disturbing or life-disruptive event.

Resources for staff and faculty

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

FSAP provides free short-term counseling to CU 91��Ҹ� staff and faculty. All FSAP providers are trained as generalist counselors and are equipped to help you navigate a wide range of personal- and work-related issues.

Available to staff and faculty

Crisis services

If you or a colleague is in need of urgent or same-day support, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 or 800-273-8255 (English) or 888-628-9454 (Spanish).

Available to staff and faculty

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Available to staff and faculty

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

SSCM provides individualized support to students. SSCM case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while also building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.

Student referrals

Health and Wellness liaisons

CU 91��Ҹ� colleges and schools have access to dedicated teams of liaisons from Counseling and Psychiatric Services, the Office of Victim Assistance and Health Promotion.

Student referrals

Red Folder

Red Folder provides information on how to recognize signs of distress, tips for responding and how to refer a student to the appropriate campus resources.

Student referrals

The end of the semester can be a difficult time for students. Here are some tips for staff and faculty who are concerned that a student may be struggling or thinking about suicide.

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Tips for navigating and coping with grief

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 20:23:19 +0000

Tips for navigating and coping with grief Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 03/23/2022 - 14:23

Grief encompasses all of the ways we respond to the loss of someone or something that is important to us. Grief manifests in different ways for different people, and it’s important to remember that there is no one ‘correct’ way to grieve. Whether you or someone you know is grieving, here are some tips that can help you navigate and cope with grief.

Life events that can trigger grief

There are a variety of events that can trigger grief. Sometimes, losses are concrete, such as when a loved one passes away. Other losses may feel more ambiguous, such as when we move to a new place, change majors or break up with someone.

Here are a few examples of life events that can trigger grief for students:

Death and dying

The death or impending death of a friend, family member, significant other, pet or loved one.

Serious illness

Coping with a terminal or life-altering illness or the illness of a loved one.

Divorce or separation

Life changes, like the divorce or separation of one’s parents, or other serious family conflicts.

Academic challenges

Students may fall short or not reach the level of academic success that they expected. This can include things like test scores, GPA, admission to a specific degree program or other academic milestones.

Relationship struggles

Coping with relationship problems from general conflict to abusive behaviors. This can also encompass the end of interpersonal relationships, including friendships or romantic partnerships.

Career challenges

Students may grieve the loss of their ideal career, struggles securing a job after graduation or difficulties related to financial security or debt repayment.

What does grief feel like?

People who are grieving may experience a wide range of reactions and emotions. Feelings of grief can be intense or subtle. It’s also normal for feelings of grief to surge and subside over time. Here are some common symptoms that people experience during the grieving process:

Remorse: A grieving person may become preoccupied by what they could have done differently to prevent a loss from happening or to alter the outcome of an event.
Anger: Individuals may feel a sense of injustice or powerlessness over their situation, which can lead to feelings of anger or vengeance. Loss can also threaten beliefs that we hold about ourselves or the world around us, which can lead to feelings of confusion or regret.
Denial/numbness: Sometimes people need to distance themselves from significant losses or pain. This can show up as denial or numbness around a particular event or loss.
Feeling down: After a loss, people who are grieving may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, sadness or hopelessness. Some people may retreat or withdraw from social groups after a loss or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, especially if they are associated with their loss.
Physical symptoms: Emotional stress and grief can also cause a variety of physical symptoms, including headaches, nausea, stomach pains, changes in appetite, insomnia and other ailments.

Learn more about symptoms of grief

Supporting someone who is grieving

Grief is often misunderstood, and it can be a tricky subject to approach, especially if someone has experienced a loss. However, there are ways that we can support ourselves and others through the process.

Ways to take care of yourself while grieving…

Take care of your basic needs. Rest, eat well and stay hydrated. For some, it may also be good to embrace physical contact (like hugs) as part of the healing process. Get more self-care ideas.
Take time to grieve. Grief can sneak up on us when we least expect it. Try to dedicate time to grieving. This will give you a structured way to get it out, while enjoying moments of peace during other times of the day.
Connect with others. Surround yourself with people who will let you experience your feelings, whether you need to cry, sit in silence or tell someone your story again and again.
Channel your feelings. Find an outlet for your feelings. Journaling can be a great way to express and externalize everything that is going on inside of you. You may also find talking to be helpful. Find what works best for you and dedicate time to working through your feelings.
Be patient. Your grief may take longer to process than you or others expect. Be patient with yourself as you work through your feelings and show yourself kindness as you move through this process.

Ways to support someone who is grieving…

Reach out. Grief can feel isolating, so it’s important to reach out to our loved ones who are grieving. Check in with them and let them know you’re thinking about them.
Help out. Offer support by helping out with household chores, meals, planning social events or other tasks that may feel overwhelming.
Listen to them. Take time to listen to your loved one and let them express their emotions. Avoid sharing judgment or advice. Instead, try to simply be there for them.
Don’t avoid the subject. If someone lost a person they were close to, don’t worry about avoiding the person’s name or bringing them up in conversation. Remember that the loss of someone doesn’t mean they should be forgotten.
Encourage them to seek support. If someone is struggling with grief or depressive feelings, encourage them to seek support. Campus resources are available for students, staff and faculty.

Resources

Student resources

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS offers short-term counseling, consultation services, workshops, community referrals and crisis support for CU 91��Ҹ� students and graduate students.

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Peer Wellness Coaching

Peer Wellness Coaching is a free service available to students to help them set and achieve wellness goals. Peer wellness coaches are familiar with a variety of topics, including stress, relationships, academics, self-care, sleep, finances and more.

Health Promotion

Health Promotion offers free weekly programs that focus on self-care, community-building, stress management and more. Topic areas change weekly and events are open to all students.

Staff and faculty resources

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Employee Suicide

Staff and faculty: Tips for talking about suicide

Know the warning signs

Share your concerns

Ask the question

Listen

Manage your emotions

Instill hope

Resources for students

Welfare checks

Crisis services

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

Let’s Talk

Workshops

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Resources for staff and faculty

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

Crisis services

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Student Support and Case Management (SSCM)

Health and Wellness liaisons

Red Folder

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Tips for navigating and coping with grief

Life events that can trigger grief

What does grief feel like?

Supporting someone who is grieving

Ways to take care of yourself while grieving…

Ways to support someone who is grieving…

Resources

Student resources

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Peer Wellness Coaching

Health Promotion

Staff and faculty resources

Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)

Wellness events

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