Myth: Talking to a person about suicide will only frustrate them and increase the risk of suicide.
Fact: Directly asking someone about the intent to complete suicide lowers anxiety, opens communication lines and lowers the risk of an impulsive act.
On Sept. 18, 2020, Jesie Steffes and Nikki Blakesley, mental health clinicians at the UCCS Wellness Center, hosted a suicide prevention training to recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which occurs every September.
The training is based on a variety of evidence-based interventions and research and aims to provide people with the skills and resources needed to help prevent suicide. “Preventing suicide is something everyone can have a hand in,” said Steffes. Included in the training are resources for students and non-students who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, common myths and facts about suicide, and a role-playing scenario demonstrating the suicide prevention skills discussed throughout the presentation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, seek help by using any of these resources:
- Students can reach out to the Wellness Center at 719-255-4444
- Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Text ‘BRAVE’ to the Crisis Text Line at 741741