Considerations Regarding Suicide
Thoughts about suicide exist on a continuum, from fleeting wishes to escape a specific life circumstance on one end, to making specific plans to take one’s life on the other. Signs that may raise a concern about suicide include the following:
- Talking about suicide as a personal option
- Increased social withdrawal
- Giving away prized possessions
- Feelings of hopelessness and despair
- Involvement of alcohol or drugs (increases possibility of impulsive action)
If a student exhibits any of these behaviors, always seek consultation regarding how to proceed, either from:
- Psychological Services (401-863-3476), or
- a Dean of Student Life (401-863-3145 during the day; or 401-863-3322 at night, on weekends and when the University is closed).