Talking about suicide: A guide for college and university staff
Trigger warning: these pages include content discussing suicidal feelings and self-harm
What is self-harm?
The NICE definition of self-harm is non-fatal intentional self-poisoning or self-injury. It includes acts to deal with overwhelming thoughts or feelings, as well as attempted suicide.
What forms can self-harm take?
There is no one typical person who hurts themselves. Self-harm can take many forms, including self-injury, self-poisoning and sometimes risky behaviours such as getting into fights or abusing alcohol.
Why do people self-harm?
When people are suffering acute distress, self-harm can be a way to release the feelings; or feel something more manageable. It can reduce overwhelming thoughts or help escape distressing memories. It can help overcome feeling numb or disconnected.
Is self-harm linked to suicide?
While self-harm can be an indicator of increased risk of suicide, in itself it does not mean that a student actively wants to die. With the right support, such as talking therapy, students can learn to understand themselves and create better alternative coping strategies.
What are suicidal feelings?
Suicidal feelings can mean having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can mean thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life.
What does ‘suicidal ideation’ mean?
The term ‘suicidal ideation’ is used to describe a situation where a person may be having thoughts about suicide but have not made plans to act on those thoughts.
What is ‘suicidal intent’?
‘Suicidal intent’ is used when someone has thoughts of suicide which have developed further into thinking about how they may end their life. This could include specific, detailed plans about what they will do and when, or a stated intention to act on their thoughts, even if some of the details are not decided on.
Related articles
Suicidal feelings – when should you be worried about a student?
What makes suicide more, or less, likely?
What to do if you are worried about a student
When a student confirms they are at risk of suicide
Supporting students after the initial crisis
What to do if a suicide takes place
Being confident to talk about suicide
Download or order a copy of the booklet Talking about suicide:
Suicidal feelings – when should you be worried about a student?
It is not always possible to tell that a person is contemplating suicide, and sometimes of people will give no indication. However, it is very important to be aware of the potential signs and the type of language people may use if they are feeling suicidal.
Students with suicidal feelings
What makes a suicide more, or less, likely?
Being aware of these factors which may make someone more, or less, likely to act on suicidal thoughts can be useful. It will give you a better chance of understanding a person’s situation and may mean you are able to support them or signpost them to appropriate help.
Read about risk factors and protective factors
What to do if you are worried that a student might be at risk of suicide
Knowing what to do if you have concerns that a student might be at risk of suicide is very important. It can give you the confidence to take action which may help.
What to do if you are worried about a student
What to do if you are with a student who has confirmed they are at risk of suicide
When a student does not feel they can keep themselves safe, and an appointment with support services is not going to be timely or sufficient, it is time to step up to the crisis action plan.
When a student confirms they are at risk of suicide
Supporting students after the initial crisis
Once a student has been identified as being at risk of suicide it is good to have a follow-up plan to ensure the crisis is averted and the student has adequate support for their mental health.
Supporting students after the initial crisis
What to do in the unfortunate event of a suicide
If a suicide or suspected suicide occurs within the university community, it can be an extremely distressing and confusing time for staff and students alike. It helps to have a plan that can be acted on straight away.
What to do if a suicide takes place
Giving everyone the confidence to talk about suicide
To reduce the stigma of mental health issues colleges and universities should have a policy where talking about mental health is everyone’s responsibility and helping to protect a student who is suicidal is part of that.
Resources and sources of support
CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLY (CALM)
Support, information and signposting anywhere in the UK via webchat or phone.
Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight, 365 days a year)
Online: thecalmzone.net
PAPYRUS
Papyrus is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.
For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK, 9am-midnight, every day.
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860 039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans offers listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
Available to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a yearCall: 116 123 (free line)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Online: samaritans.org
24/7 text service, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere
Text: SHOUT to 85258
This content has been adapted from “Talking about suicide: A guide for college staff" originally developed as a partnership between the Association of Colleges and the Charlie Waller Trust and has been endorsed by Universities UK and Papyrus. It was written by members of the Charlie Waller team who are experts in the field – Dr Andrew Reeves, Kirsten Amis, Kath Caffrey – and reviewed by Prof. Keith Hawton at the Centre for Suicide Research.
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The Charlie Waller Trust
The Charlie Waller Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales 1109984. A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales 5447902. Registered address: The Charlie Waller Trust, First Floor, 23 Kingfisher Court, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5SJ.
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