Tag Archives: suicide prevention

Mental Health Resources, Sexual Assault Services, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health

Presenting TimelyCare- A New, Free Telehealth Program For Students!

Northern Virginia Community College is excited to offer TimelyCare- a new, FREE telehealth program for students for students seeking mental health and wellness supports! The service will provide access to 24/7 virtual mental health care from anywhere in the United States via the TimelyCare app or the web on VCCS’ TimelyCare homepage for phone or video appointments.  Available services include:

  • TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand video access to a mental health professional for in-the-moment support for concerns like test anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, stress, break ups, feeling stuck, and suicidal ideation
  • Scheduled counseling with a licensed professional (up to 6 sessions a year)
  • Health coaching with lifestyle support for concerns like sleep issues, body image, physical health, nutrition, meal prep, etc.
  • Group sessions for weekly guided meditation, yoga, and monthly special topics seminars

You’ll never receive a bill, be asked to pay, or be asked to provide insurance information!  Registration with your VCCS email, an internet connection, and about 2 minutes is all you need to start; learn more and sign up at www.timelycare.com/vccs, download the TimelyCare app, or access from the Office of Wellness and Mental Health telehealth page today!

Dual enrolled students are not eligible to access these services and students under the age of 18 require parental permission to access telehealth services.  Please contact the Office of Wellness and Mental Health at wellness@nvcc.edu with any questions.

 

Education, Mental Health Resources, Resources, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health, Tips

Talking With Your Professor About Your Mental Health

Recognizing, discussing and seeking assistance for mental health concerns is difficult.  There is a vulnerability (and a fear of stigma for many) that may cause one to hesitate to communicate and/or pursue help, if at all.  Know that you are not alone- mental wellness shifts for everyone, and everybody finds themselves needing help sometimes.  This graphic from Mental Health America illustrates some options and suggestions for how to communicate with your professors about your struggles and needs.

NOVA-specific options you may also consider include:

Remember, you are cared for, and NOVA is here to support you!  If you find yourself feeling unsafe and in need of support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

    • Available 24/7
    • 1-800-273-8255, or chat
    • 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish Language)
    • 711 (Deaf or hard of hearing)
    • 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text 838255, or chat (Veterans)

For immediate assistance, please call 911.

Events, Mental Health Resources, Resources, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health, Tips

Suicide Prevention is On All of Us

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  Within this month are Suicide Prevention Week from September 5-11, and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.  With suicide being the tenth leading cause of death in the United States (second among 10-34 year old persons, and fourth for 35-44 year old persons), we need to be more vigilant about improving general mental health, and provide support to one another.

Suicide is not an easy topic to discuss, especially because many people feel that they may accidentally say the wrong thing, push their friend or loved one into hurting themselves, or may implant the suggestion of suicide, but this just isn’t true.  Suicidal thinking is isolative, and knowing that someone loves and supports you nonjudgmentally often is just the support someone needs to hang in there, and seek some help.

There are many notable signs, like in the graphic above, that someone may display when they are dealing with suicidal thinking.  Suicide is also not a spontaneous action, rather, people who attempt or consider attempting to kill themselves have thought about it for some time.  There is a spectrum of consideration for suicide, and when someone has decided to carry out an attempt, they appear more at peace because the anxiety of contending with their pain feels like it’s over.  Even then, it is not too late.  If you see someone suffering, offer your ear.  Compassionate connection is the gateway to addressing pain and trauma, moving a person away from potentially ending his/her/their life.

Some local and national resources include:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
    • Available 24/7
    • 1-800-273-8255, or chat
    • 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish Language)
    • 711 (Deaf or hard of hearing)
    • 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text 838255, or chat (Veterans)
  • PRS Crisis Link Hotline (Northern Virginia):
    • Available 24/7
    • 703-527-4077 or text CONNECT to 85511
    • 711 (Deaf or hard of hearing)
  • Crisis Text Line:
    • Available 24/7
    • Text HOME to 741741
  • The Trevor Project (LGBT):
    • Available 24/7
    • 1-866-488-7386
    • Text START to 678678
    • TrevorCHAT

Join us in the effort to prevent suicide for all, and check out the #bethe1to campaign!

“Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.”

Sources:

https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide

Education, Events, Mental Health Resources, Office of Student Life, Public Safety, Resources, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health

Self-Injury Awareness Day

March 1 is designated as Self-Injury Awareness Day.  This campaign was born out of the importance of bringing awareness to the acts of self-harm, and to destigmatize their existence.  By acknowledging the acts of self-injury, we can provide empathy and understanding to its sufferers; lessen fear and silent suffering; and encourage education about what self-injury is, why it occurs, and how to address it.

Self-injury differs from suicide attempts as it is not intended to end life, rather, it is an attempt to deal with overwhelming emotions like anger, frustration, and pain.  The cycle of self-injury is marked by an escalation of emotion that one feels out of control of, and they engage in a behavior that causes bodily harm (cutting, burning, scratching, hitting self, piercing skin, etc.) which brings temporary feelings of relief and calm.  This then turns into feelings of guilt and shame, and a lessened effect of the chosen method of self-injury, which may lead to using a more severe method/frequent self-harm, increasing the possibility of ongoing harm and/or accidental death.

Awareness of self-injury provides opportunities for those experiencing pain to learn healthier methods to manage their emotions and crises when they occur with the aim of validating pain while preserving life and instilling hope.  The stigma around mental illness and self-injury further isolates those suffering causing them and their loved ones of their voices because not knowing if and what to say can be detrimental as well.  The Mayo Clinic has a thorough summation of the causes, symptoms, types, implications and methods of support for self-injury.

There is also a newer phenomenon of digital self-harm, wherein one uses memes and other online forms of expression to speak to their pain; pose as others speaking negatively of the poster/cyberbullying the poster; or making repeated commentary about self-injury and self-loathing.  Visibility of these posts and gaining “likes” does not serve to support the individual in their mind, rather, it validates the despair and further serves to encourage self-injury.

Orange is the representative color of self-injury awareness, shown either through the wearing of a ribbon, or of drawings of orange butterflies on the wrist.  You can show your support on March 1 by wearing orange and seeking to learn more about self-injury and how you can intervene on behalf of yourself or others.  If you or someone you know is struggling, please fill out a Student in Need of Assistance Report for support through NOVA CARE teams (within the NOVA community), or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  If you need immediate assistance due to safety concerns on campus, contact NOVA Police at 703-764-5000 or call 911 (off campus).

Education, Mental Health Resources, Public Safety, Resources, The Office of Wellness and Mental Health, Tip of the Week, Veterans

The “S” Word- What To Do To Prevent Suicide

The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act has passed in the US House of Representatives today!  It aims to create a three-digit number (988) for suicide prevention and mental health crises, and direct calls to the already-established National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Having previously passed in the Senate, it is awaiting presidential approval and signature, and will require all telephone service providers to route calls from the Lifeline to 988 by July 16, 2022.

In the meantime, here are some resources to assist you in finding suicide prevention information, contacts and resources for yourself and others.  As safety is paramount, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or know of someone that is, calling 911 is the first line of intervention.  You may also go to your local emergency room for assistance.

Note: This information is not exhaustive, nor is its inclusion an endorsement by The Office of Wellness and Mental Health.

Who to contact:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
    • Available 24/7
    • 1-800-273-8255, or chat
    • 1-888-628-9454 (Spanish Language)
    • 711 (Deaf or hard of hearing)
    • 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text 838255, or chat (Veterans)
  • PRS Crisis Link Hotline (Northern Virginia):
    • Available 24/7
    • 703-527-4077 or text CONNECT to 85511
    • 711 (Deaf or hard of hearing)
  • Crisis Text Line:
    • Available 24/7
    • Text HOME to 741741
  • The Trevor Project (LGBT):
    • Available 24/7
    • 1-866-488-7386
    • Text START to 678678
    • TrevorCHAT

Warning signs that intervention may be necessary:

  • Talking about:
    • Killing themselves
    • Having no reason to live
    • Not wanting to live
    • Feeling trapped
    • Not wanting to be here anymore
    • Experiencing unbearable pain
    • Feeling like a burden to others
  • Exhibiting behaviors of:
    • Withdrawing from activities
    • Isolating from others
    • Increased drinking or substance use
    • Recklessness
    • Aggression
    • Planning ways to kill themselves, including internet searches and gathering means to inflict harm
    • Cutting, or other self-harm actions
    • Sleeping too much, or not enough
    • Giving away treasured possessions
    • Goodbye calls and/or visits to others
  • Displaying signs of:
    • Abrupt/erratic changes in mood
    • Depression
    • Irritability
    • Anhedonia (lack of interest in activities once enjoyed)
    • Rage
    • Feeling humiliated, attacked, dismissed or singled out

Resources on suicide and self-harm:

Although suicide is a difficult topic and experience for many, we cannot remain silent.  If you or a classmate/colleague/friend/family member is struggling, remember, there is hope and help is out there.  Let’s work together to quell our fear of the “s” word, to keep each other safe and well, and to end the stigma of self-harm and suicidal thinking.  You are not alone, your life is precious, and you are worthy of becoming your best self; you just have to be around to see how far you can fly!

Events, Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Resources, Tip of the Week, Uncategorized

Tip of the Week: September 8 -14 is National Suicide Prevention Week

September 10th  is World Suicide Prevention Day! Let’s celebrate awareness! 1,100 of college students commit suicide every year, and 10% think seriously about suicide as an option. Many of us have either been personally affected by or know someone who has been affected by a suicide. It is important to remember you are NOT ALONE! If you or your friends express an interest in suicide, it is important to take it seriously! The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize these warning signs and know how to respond if you spot them. Here are some signs to look out for:
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others; Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings.
For immediate help, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or for other resources visit:
https://afsp.org/find-support/
Or
https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Uncategorized

Tip of the Week: Suicide Prevention Tips

Tip of the Week: Suicide Prevention Tips: Look out for your friends. If someone you know is constantly making jokes about killing or harming themselves, it actually may be a serious cry for help. Behaviors that may be suicidal indicators include increased alcohol, drug, or prescription medication use, showing a disinterest in school and/or a job, withdrawal from activities that used to interest the person, a history of mental illness, and/or a recent traumatic event. These traumatic events can include a recent breakup, divorce, failed class or classes, a suspension/expulsion notice, losing a job, a sexual assault, and/or death of a peer or family member.

PRS Crisis Link Hotline is a local hotline that helps with suicide Northern Virginia. You can call the hotline at 703-527-4077 to talk to an empathic person who wants to help you or someone you know. The professionals provide free & confidential services 24/7. The hotline can also help you find referrals to mental health and other community services.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7 across the United States. Call: 1-800-273-8255
To know more about suicide prevention, visit us online https://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

Mental Health Resources, NOVACares, Uncategorized

Tips on Suicide Prevention from NOVA Police.

http://www.nvcc.edu/police/_files/publicsafetynewsletter-September2016.pdf

According to a study released by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics
on April 22, 2016, suicide rates increased 24% between 1999 and 2014, the highest they have been in three decades. The greatest pace of increase came after 2006, and rates increased for both males and females of all ages 10-74. Females aged 10-14 and men aged 45-64 had the largest percent increases in suicide rates, 200% and 43% respectively. This troubling new data was released just days before the beginning of Mental Health Month, observed each May for over 60 years.

The new CDC report also confirms that “suicide among adolescents and young
adults is increasing and among the leading causes of death for those demographic groups.” Suicide continues to be a major concern on college campuses with issues of contagion and ideation at the forefront of challenges facing suicide prevention specialists. The statistics for college students are alarming:
 Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 18- to 24-year-olds.
 One in 10 college students has made a plan for suicide.
 There are more than 1,000 suicides on college campuses per year. This is approximately 100 times greater than the average number killed by active shooters on college campuses.
 Suicide contagion and clusters are more likely among young people in contained communities such as college campuses.
 The rate of suicide is between .5 and 7.5 per 100,000 among college students.
 Suicidal thoughts, making plans for suicide, and suicide attempts are higher among adults aged 18 to 25 than among adults over the age of 26.
 Thoughts of attempting suicide are reported to occur among 5% of grad students and 18% of undergrads.

Suicide prevention resources, addressing suicide prevention, information for suicide survivors, and help for friends in crisis in addition to other available counseling services, are available. Learn common misperceptions
about suicide and warning signs. Please share these resources, and others, with your campus community throughout Mental Health Month.
 Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Public-private partnership to advance the national strategy on suicide prevention
 American Association of Suicidology: Provides a college and university suicide prevention accreditation program in partnership with the Jed Foundation
 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Raises awareness, funds scientific research and provides resources and aid to those affected by suicide
 International Association for Suicide Prevention; A non-governmental organization in official relationship with the World Health Organization concerned with suicide prevention
 Jed Foundation: Promotes young adult emotional health and works to prevent suicide
 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
 SAMSHA: Suicide Prevention: Provides suicide prevention information and other helpful resources to behavioral health professionals, the general public and people at risk
 Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Provides specific resources for colleges and universities in this section
of their website.

NOVACares, Resources

Free On-Line Trainings “At Risk” for NOVA. Try them out!

Kognito is an FREE  interactive training for Faculty and Staff .  Through interactive conversation with student avatars, you can practice how to talk to students in distress and how to talk to and support our military students.   There is also a training for students on how to identify and talk to their peers who may be at risk.

The links to these trainings are below. The password to participate in these trainings is listed as well.  Please note that trainings are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so please do not wait too long to participate.  Feel free to share this training opportunity with anyone you think may benefit.

 

At-Risk for Faculty & Staff

Website: http://www.kognitocampus.com/faculty

Enrollment Key: cspcva

 

At-Risk for Students

Website: http://www.kognitocampus.com/student

Enrollment Key: cspcva

 

Veterans on Campus

Website: http://www.kognitocampus.com/vet

Enrollment Key: cspcva