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Concerns About Suicide

Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon among college students. College is a time of transition, accompanied by feelings of both excitement and uncertainty. College life includes many unique challenges never faced by students before, including living away from home, academic and social pressure, relationship issues, and concerns about the future. Although most students who have suicidal thoughts do not actually attempt suicide, suicidal thoughts can be signs of depression or psychological distress. Although it may feel like it will never end, depression and hopelessness is not a permanent condition. When going through any tough time, it may become difficult to think of solutions to challenging problems and leave one feeling confused or hopeless. Although intense and prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness may make suicide seem like the only way to escape your pain, it is important to recognize that suicide is never  the only option. There is always another solution to a problem. However, it may be difficult to see that right now because of the amount of emotional pain you are in.
 
Each of us experiences stressful events at various times throughout our lives. We may be coping with the loss of a loved one, the break-up of a romantic relationship, pressures with work, family conflict, or financial hardship.The college environment can make it difficult to handle these struggles. For example, many students feel isolated or lonely at times during their college years. While the pain of these struggles is very real, and suicidal thoughts may help one cope with the pain, there are always other possibilities connected to life.  There are people (therapists, friends, family members, clergy) who want to help students figure out how to get through difficult times and  feel like themselves again. Help is available right here at Fordham.

 
Warning Signs
  • Loss of interest in social activities or friends
  • Preferring to be alone most of the time
  • Changes in appetite (too little or too much)
  • Changes in sleep (too little or too much)
  • Neglect of personal hygiene and/or appearance
  • Fatigue or decreased energy
  • Decline in academic motivation or performance
  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  • Sudden changes in mood
  • Intense feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, sadness, anger, and/or guilt
  • Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors, such substance abuse or self-injury
  • Impulsive or aggressive behaviors
  • Preoccupation with death or violence
  • Experience of recent loss, failure, or interpersonal rejection
  • Unhealthy relationships
  • Gender Identity Concerns
  • Difficulty adjusting to one's gender identity
  • Previous suicide attempt or a family history of an attempt
  • Verbal warning signs of suicide, either indirect or direct. "I can't go on." "My family would be better off without me",  
    • "Who cares if I'm not around anyway?" I wish I were dead." Or, "If________, I'll kill myself." (e.g. I fail this course, she leaves me.)
We know that if you are experiencing any of these things, it can be very difficult to reach out to others for help. If you or someone you know are experiencing any of the above, you are already getting help by recognizing a potential problem. We encourage you to find a person or on-campus professional with whom you can confide, share your feelings, or ask advice. You do not need to handle this responsibility on your own. Professionals are standing by at Fordham to assist you, or another student. Below is a list of resources that are available to you for help.
 
Other resources for information and help:

On-campus:

If you or someone you know might be suicidal, please call or walk over to the Counseling center and let the staff member at the front desk know thats it's urgent. For after hours, you may call the Dean of Students or Campus Security. 
 
Counseling and Psychological Services - Rose Hill: 718-817-3725 Lower Level O'Hare Hall; Lincoln Center: 212-636-6225 McMahon Hall Rm. 211
Free and confidential clinical services for students. You may call or walk in to schedule an appointment. Please tell the staff member at the front desk if your situation is urgent. 

Security-Rose Hill: 718-817-2222 Location: Safety & Security Building (next to Thebaud Hall);  Security-Lincoln Center: 212-636-6076 Location: Lowenstein Lobby 
The Security Department provides 24-hour, 7 day-a-week coverage at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center. 

Dean of Students RH: Christopher Rodgers, 718-817-4755 Location: Keating 100; Lincoln Center: Keith Eldredge, 212-636-6250, LL 408D 

Campus Ministry-Rose Hill: 718-817-4501 Location: McGinley 102; Lincoln Center: 212-636-6267 Lowenstein 217 

For residents, feel free to reach ut to your RD, RA, or FM. For commuters, please reach out to your CFM.


Off-campus:

National Suicide Hotline (24 hours) : 1-800-SUICIDE

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Youth Line (peers provide counseling, information and referrals): 1-800-246-4646

Suicide Assessment - information and referral (Lifenet – 24 hrs.): 1-800-543-3638

The Samaritans (crisis intervention hotline): 212-673-3000

www.psychcentral.com/helpme.htm
www.ulifeline.com/schools/fordham
www.campuscalm.com


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