In 1998, suicide caused the deaths of 3,699 Canadians, just over 15% of which were aged 15-24 years. The actual number of suicide deaths may be considerably higher. Any talk of suicide by a friend or loved one should be taken seriously and help sought immediately.

It's normal to feel sad, anxious, angry, hopeless or frustrated when difficult things happen.

However...
If someone thinks about suicide a few times a week or almost every day, it's a sign of a serious health problem. A suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person’s life. Most people don't respond to stress or troubles in this way.

Thoughts about suicide are important signals. People who have thoughts of suicide are conveying an important message. Their bodies and brains are telling them that something needs to change.

Suicide can be also be triggered by a number of things including:

• stressful events, such as a failed exam or failure to get a job
• crises in significant social or family relationships
• interpersonal losses
• changes in body chemistry
• high levels of anger or anxiety

If you are having suicide thoughts:

• Take it seriously, as you would severe physical symptoms.
• Avoid alcohol or other drugs. They increase the risk you will harm yourself.
• Seek support—parents, other family members, friends or a teacher. Although it may be difficult to share these thoughts and feelings and to ask for help, it is important to do so.
• Talk to a professional who can help. A counselor, therapist or campus counseling, or doctor or other health care provider.
• Talk to clergy if you are religious or spiritual

Helping Yourself
Many college students have minor problems adjusting to their new environment. Here are a few ideas that can help you manage your feelings of pressure and stress:

• Better plan your use of time.
• Plan your work and sleep schedules. Seven or eight hours of sleep a night is important to your well-being.
• Join an extracurricular activity. Activities can bring opportunities to meet people interested in the same things you are, and it provides a welcome change from class work.
• Make a friend. Sometimes this may be a roommate or someone you meet in class or in the cafeteria. Friendships can help make a strange place feel more friendly and comfortable.
• Try relaxation methods. These include meditation, deep breathing, warm baths, long walks, exercise - whatever you enjoy that lessens your feelings of stress or discomfort.
• Take time for yourself each day. Make this special time - even if it's only 15 minutes by yourself. Focusing on yourself can be energizing and gives a feeling of purposefulness and control over your life.

Warning Signs
Any one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean the person is suicidal, but several of these symptoms may signal a need for help:

• Verbal suicide threats such as, “You’d be better off without me.” or “Maybe I won’t be around.”
• Daring or risk-taking behavior
• Personality changes
• Depression
• Giving away prized possessions
• Lack of interest in future plans
• Sadness or anxiety
• Feelings of guilt, helplessness or hopelessness
• Trouble eating or sleeping
• Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities
• Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Anger

If a friend talks about suicide:
If you notice any of the above warning signs in a friend or loved one, you have reason to be concerned. There are ways that you can be helpful to someone who is thinking of taking their own life.

• Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble.
• Be honest and express your concerns. For example, “You seemed really down lately; is something bothering you?”
• Ask directly about thoughts of suicide. For example, “Have you thought of hurting yourself?”
• Listen. Offer emotional support, understanding and patience.
• Convey the message that depression is real, common and treatable. Suicidal feelings are real and preventable.
• Urge your friend to seek professional help. Offer to go along to a crisis center or counseling appointment.
• If the person is in danger, don't leave him or her alone. It is important to limit access to firearms or other means of self harm. Call 911. Get someone else to help you.
• Tell a professional about the situation, even if it means breaking a confidence.
• Get support and take care of yourself. Talk to a counselor, your friends, your parents, a crisis line, or others your trust.

Getting Help
If the above techniques do not appear to be working, don't hesitate to seek professional help. If your feelings of constant stress become feelings of sadness that go on for weeks and months, you may be experiencing more than just difficulty adjusting to life's changes. Seek assistance from the university counseling service, student health center, your doctor, or a mental health professional.

Where can I get help?
If you, a family member or a friend need help, please contact the McGill health and/or counseling service. The following organizations may help, providing additional information about depression and suicide.
Counseling 398-3601
Mental Health 398-6019
Student Health 398-6017
McGill Nightline 398-6246