Suicide Prevention at PSU


The Truth About Suicide...

If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, you're not alone - even though it may feel that way.

  • In a year, nearly 40% of college students will report feeling so depressed that it's difficult to function.
  • 10% will report thoughts of suicide.
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

So if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, this page is for you. Are you concerned that someone you care about may be at risk for suicide? Then click here.

Why Suicide?
People have different reasons for thinking about suicide:

  • Some see suicide as a way to escape problems.
  • Others see suicide as a way to end insufferable pain.
  • Some people hate themselves and think they deserve to die.
  • Others see themselves as a burden to loved ones.
  • Some see suicide as a way to test the love of others or get revenge.


Whatever your motivation for considering suicide, PSU wants to help you find hope and a way to cope with your problems. SHAC offers professional counseling and medical staff who can help you create (or re-create) a life worth living.

It's interesting that often intense emotional stress sometimes blinds people to alternative solutions to suicide...yet other solutions are almost always available.

While some students see suicide as the solution to end all problems...suicide can also be understood as the problem to end all solutions. And, all too often, a completed suicide is a permanent solution to what might have been only a temporary problem.

Our Counseling Service staff are experts when it comes to helping college students creatively solve their problems and reduce their pain. They can also provide medical assessment and medication related to emotional challenges.



If you're having thoughts of suicide:

DO Talk With Someone:

  • Friend
  • Family
  • Roommate
  • Counselor
  • Nurse
  • Clergy
  • Residence Hall Staff
  • Crisis Line
  • Faculty

DON'T:

  • Don't isolate yourself.
  • Don't drink alcohol and use other drugs. Drugs and alcohol increase the risk of suicide.


PSU Resources:

    Center for Student Health and Counseling (UCB) 503-725-2800
    Residence Life Staff 503-725-2450
    Campus Safety Office 503-725-4404


Self-help websites designed for students:


24-Hour Crisis Resources Include:

    911
    Multnomah County Crisis Line 503-988-4888
    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)


Help is available. All you have to do is take the first step. Talk to someone.


PSU is part of the Oregon University Suicide Prevention Project, a federally funded grant to reduce the risk of suicide in Oregon university students. For more information about that project, visit this website. For more information about depression, suicide and college students, visit the National Mental Health Association or the Jed Foundation.