Center for Healthy Living offers suicide prevention support, services

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The Center for Healthy Living on Purdue's West Lafayette campus understands that awareness and availability of resources regarding suicide prevention are everyday necessities.

According to the "2006-2011 Suicide in Indiana Report" (the most recent report available) produced by the Indiana State Department of Health, suicide accounted for 38,365 lives lost in the United States in 2010, which equates to 105.1 suicides per day. During that time frame, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 34-year-olds, the third-leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds and the fifth-leading cause of death among 35- to 54-year-olds.

Employee assistance counseling is available through the center to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff as well as dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan. Two employee assistance counselors -- Nancy Cook and Lindsey Millburg, who are both licensed social workers -- are available to provide professional and confidential on-site counseling services.

Millburg reminds everyone that suicide does not discriminate and can affect any age, race, gender, nationality or background. Due to the prevalence of suicide in today's world, Millburg confirms the need for increased awareness and support.

"Suicide is one of the most preventable types of death there is," Millburg says. "Therefore, it's very important to recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and continue to have open, honest discussions about the subject."

As a counselor who is certified in therapeutic crisis intervention as well as being a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) instructor, Millburg is well-versed and experienced with the subject of suicide. QPR is a program that teaches skills to recognize signs and symptoms of suicide and how to persuade and refer that person to get help.

Millburg will lead a QPR training session on Oct. 10 at Stewart Center. Additional details will be shared in upcoming weeks.

"Recognizing and acknowledging suicide and suicidal thoughts is a way to reduce the negative stigma attached and to open up dialogue on ways to help prevent it from occurring," she says. "Many of those who are considering suicide give off some warning signs before it occurs, so being able to identify risk factors and talk about them openly will help reduce the number of completed suicides."

Millburg offers some self-help tips for anyone who is suffering or believes they are suffering from depression -- which can be connected to suicidal thoughts and tendencies. 

* Try to get at least eight hours of sleep.

* Stay connected with family and friends.

* Pick up a hobby or class that keeps you moving.

* Spend time with positive people.

* Watch something funny on TV.

* Do something that makes you happy.

If you think a family member, friend or someone you know is considering suicide, Millburg offers some tips to help in those situations as well.

* Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

* Be willing to listen.

* Be nonjudgmental.

* Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

* Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention or suicide prevention.

Anyone who has a friend or family member that talks about suicide should pay attention. Employees can always call the Center for Healthy Living at 49-40111 for support and advice and speak to Millburg or Cook by phone. 

Employees also can schedule an appointment with an employee assistance counselor at the center at 49-40111 or via the patient portal.

Employees seeking immediate after‑hours assistance may contact the local Crisis Center toll free at 877-419-1632. Employees seeking information about health and social services in Tippecanoe and surrounding counties may call 765‑423‑CALL [2255]. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is another available resource and can be reached at 800-273-TALK [8255].