By Rosemary Peters?Staff Writer peters12@up.edu
The issue of suicide is a major public health concern, both nationally and locally. Psychologist Paul Myers, who directs the University of Portland's Health Center, said statistically, 45 to 52 percent of college students in various surveys admit to thinking about suicide at some time in their college careers.
Myers said, given those numbers, "We need to be talking about the issue."
What is particularly important is that help is available for ?people of all ages who might ?find themselves struggling.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, depression is a key factor in a majority of deaths by suicide. Yet depression is the most treatable mental health issue.
Recent figures from the foundation indicate between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment, and almost all patients gain? some relief when they seek treatment.
The key is addressing the problem, Myers said.
"We have dozens of cases ?that are assisted through counseling or medication," Myers said.
Still there is real concern at UP about students who don't seek the available help. Myers said the problem is such that there are a handful of cases each semester involving students going to the hospital for suicidal "gestures or attempts."
The overall suicide completion rate nationally ranges from 12 to 14 students per every 100,000 students.
Oregon is at the high end of the range, Myers said.
Anissa Rogers, a UP ?professor of social and behavioral sciences, said students, faculty and staff can do many things to help prevent suicides.
"It's important that if you think someone might be suicidal that you get the person evaluated by ?a mental health professional," Rogers said.
She also said if you think a ?person might be considering taking his life, you shouldn't ?be afraid to ask the person ?about it. Talking to the ?person about suicide won't ?make them more apt to try to do it.
"In fact, talking about it may help the person feel understood and hopeful that he or she can find help," Rogers said.
Rogers also suggests helping the person find a reason to live. Doing so gives a person hope. The topic can be anything from interest in a pet to a family member to a significant other, Rogers said.
Students who are having a hard time coping can also talk to one of the many pastoral residents, who are priests who live on campus in the dorms.
Other priests are available through Campus Ministry and in the chapel.
The Rev. Jim Lies, C.S.C., who is a pastoral resident in Shipstad, said the role of pastoral residents and priests is to "be available for whatever the person might want to talk about."
Lies added, "No matter what you want to talk about, come on in. Confidentiality is a certainty and we have ?the ability to a get a person ?linked to the many resources on campus and beyond."
He added, "Matters of urgency are welcomed."
The University also has a program called Early Alert in which students, faculty and ?staff can contact Myers in the Health Center if they believe ?they know someone is struggling.
The Early Alert program can be accessed through the UP Web site. From the main UP page, under Services, click on the terms Early Alert.
Myers noted UP also provides suicide-prevention training to residence hall workers, orientation workers and employees in Public Safety.
"The more people know and understand, there is more likelihood of saving even one more person," Myers said.
"And that is worth more than I can say."
