Suicidality and Suicide Prevention - Student Version-Spring 2025

Suicide

The act of killing oneself, often as a result of depression or other mental illness.

Suicidal Ideation

Thoughts of suicide, commonly assessed with the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation.

Suicidal Plan

The specific idea a person has about how they intend to commit suicide.

Suicidal Intent

A person’s level of commitment to carrying out the act of suicide.

Suicidal Means

The resources a person has to kill themselves, such as weapons or medications.

Suicidal Opportunity

The chance a person has to commit suicide, influenced by their living situation.

Suicide Rates in the US

About 2% of deaths in the United States are attributed to suicide, with the highest rates found in men over 70.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase an individual's risk or susceptibility to suicide, such as psychiatric diagnoses or substance use.

Protective Factors

Characteristics that are associated with a lower likelihood of negative outcomes related to suicide.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Indicators such as withdrawing from social activities, increased substance use, and talking about wanting to die.

Safety Planning

A approach that helps clients identify warning signs of suicidal ideation and coping strategies.

Beck Suicidal Intent Scale

A measure used to evaluate the severity of suicidal intent.

Trevor Project

A resource for crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

Trans Lifeline

A hotline providing emotional and financial support to transgender people in crisis.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of psychotherapy effective in treating clients with suicidality.

Emergency Medical Care

Critical medical intervention needed by those who have attempted suicide.

College Athletics and Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college athletes in the US.

Kurt Cobain's Suicide Note

A personal letter expressing the struggles Cobain faced leading to his suicide.

Man Who Survived Jump From Golden Gate Bridge

A person with Bipolar Disorder who survived a suicide attempt and shares his story.