Talking about suicide: A guide for college and university staff
Trigger warning: these pages include content discussing suicidal feelings and self-harm
Risk factors and protective factors
Research suggests there are several factors that can make a person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts more likely to act on those thoughts, and also that there are things that can reduce the risk. These are usually referred to as risk factors and protective factors.
What are the known risk factors?
These increase the likelihood of suicide. There are many known risk factors, including having attempted suicide previously, having a family member or close friend who has died by suicide, social isolation and financial stress.
Other causes for concern
Additionally, it should be a concern if a person talks about a feeling of hopelessness, if they say they feel trapped and unable to consider improvement in their situation or mood, if they mention that they feel that those around them would be better off without them, or if they are having a crisis of faith when cultural or religious beliefs have kept them safe in the past.
What are protective factors?
Protective factors reduce the likelihood of suicide and improve a person's ability to cope with difficult circumstances. Sometimes it can take just one thing to stop a person from attempting suicide.
Some examples of protective factors
There are many potential protective factors, including:
- Having loving and supportive relationships.
- Not wanting to hurt the people they love.
- Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide.
- Being able to access support.
- A willingness and capacity to talk about experiences, at least to some degree.
- Making future plans.
While protective factors are important, it is crucial to be aware that they do not necessarily mean that a person will not attempt suicide.
Related articles
How is suicide different from self-injury or self-harm?
Suicidal feelings – when should you be worried about a student?
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:
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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