Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. It causes immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss to individuals, families, and communities nationwide. Shepherd University is committed to providing students with educational information and resources to help prevent unnecessary loss of life.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, reach out for help right away.

Risk Factors for Suicide

Risk factors are often confused with warning signs of suicide. It is important to note, however, that factors identified as increasing risk are not factors that cause or predict a suicide attempt. Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that an individual will consider, attempt, or die by suicide.

Mental Disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders	Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies	Hopelessness
History of trauma or abuse	Major physical illness
Previous suicide attempt	Family history of suicide
Job or financial loss	Loss of relationship
Easy access to lethal means	Local clusters of suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation	Stigma associated with asking for help
Lack of health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment	Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Suicide Warning Signs

The following signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible by calling 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Never be afraid to call 988 to get someone immediate help!

Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves	Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live	Talking about feeling trapped in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others	Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly	Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves	Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme resources

Local Resources

Berkeley Health Center Emergency Psychiatric Services	304-350-3338 — 24 hour emergency line
EastRidge Health Systems	304-263-8954 or 855-807-1258 — 24 hour emergency line
Shepherd University Counseling Services	304-876-5161 — available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm