Ohio University is deeply committed to suicide prevention and to supporting the well-being of every member of our community. We know that some students may struggle with thoughts of whether the world would be better without them. In those moments, we want them to remember they are not alone, their lives have meaning, and we encourage them to keep going and keep growing.
Through our suicide prevention trainings and resources, we equip the OHIO community with the knowledge, skills, and resources to respond with empathy and care when someone is in crisis. Together, we affirm that at Ohio University, suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.
Trainings and Resources
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Bobcats Who CareOffered by Counseling and Psychological ServicesCampus-specific interactive suicide gatekeeper training where participants learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, make meaningful connections and communicate with those contemplating suicide, directly ask someone if they are considering suicide, and connect a person in distress with mental health resources both on and off campus.
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Question, Persuade, ReferOffered by the Office of Health PromotionSuicide gatekeeper training where participants learn how to question someone who may be struggling, persuade them to seek help, and refer them to appropriate resources. Open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.
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Guide to Assisting Students Who Report SuicidalityA detailed guide for faculty and staff for recognizing and responding to students in distress and who report suicidal thoughts.
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Suicide Prevention ResourcesOnline resources about suicide and suicide prevention.
Common Misconceptions About Suicide
People who engage in self-harm want to kill themselves Many times, people who engage in self-harm behaviors are doing it cope with intense negative emotions and do not want to kill themselves. Even though they are not necessarily trying to end their life, studies show that people who have been injuring themselves over a long period of time have a higher risk for suicidal thoughts, gestures, and attempts. For this reason alone, it is important to ask whether the person is having suicidal thoughts.
Talking about suicide gives someone in crisis the idea of suicideAsking someone if they are thinking about suicide is one of the most helpful things you can do, as it helps a person who is thinking about suicide feel understood and demonstrate that you understand the amount of suffering that the person is experiencing.
There is no preventing someone from acting on these thoughtsMany individuals contemplating suicide do not want to die, they want to end their pain and suffering. Listening, empathizing, validating, and connecting the individual to mental health resources are some of the most helpful things you can do.
People who talk about suicide don't kill themselves Most individuals who have attempted or died by suicide have given warning signs. Do not ignore suicide threats.