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The stigma many Americans have towards mental illness may have indirect effects on suicide deaths. The tragedy of suicide has gained focus at the University of Maine, where there have been two student suicides and another self-inflicted death in less than two years.
According to Dr. Douglas Johnson, a psychologist at UMaine’s Counseling Center, many people who suffer from mental illness do not seek treatment.
Yet many diseases are treatable through therapy or medication or a combination of both.
“The urge to commit suicide is usually a passing thing,” Johnson said. “But one of the myths of suicide is [that by] mentioning it, it will cause people to do it.”
Instead, Johnson recommends people be aware of the signs of suicide and to remain open to that individual. Typical warning signs include:
Previous attempts mean the individual is at high risk
70 percent of threats are followed by attempted suicides
People with specific plans are at very high risk
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
Preparing a will or giving away valuables
In a study conducted by St. John’s University in 1998, 311 counseling centers nation-wide reported 128 suicides. Only a quarter of these people had sought professional help previous to their deaths. This study, along with recommendations by the National Institute of Mental Health and psychologists like Johnson, all echo one message: professional help greatly diminishes the likelihood of suicide.
Dr. Robert Dana, senior associate dean for Students and Community Life, said it is also important to create a caring environment for students. Creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable is one of Dana’s priorities and hopes Students and Community Life helps deter suicides on campus.
“We try to serve as a very big umbrella over the campus, so no one has to walk alone,” Dana said.
The problem of suicide may also be linked to sociological influences. For instance, children whose parents have taken their own lives are more likely to view suicide as a viable “way-out.” People who suffer from depression many times attribute their pain with the failure of relationships. These, as well as a myriad of biological factors, can all play a role in a person committing suicide.
“We usually don’t talk to people about suicide, but encouraging people to get professional help is the best option,” Johnson said.
At UMaine, people can receive help from the Counseling Center located behind Cutler Health Center. If you would like to make an appointment, call 581-1392. First-time students will receive immediate attention.
Bangor Daily News