By Geena DeMaio
At a staggering statistic, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and teenagers between the ages of 15-24 as stated by The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Each year 200,000 people die by suicide, which accounts for 25% of global suicides. There is an estimated 500 suicides per day in the Western Pacific Region.
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. National Suicide Prevention Week is observed Sept. 10-16. Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.
“Suicide is an attempt to end the pain. The problem is suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” said Elder Kittleson, missionary counselor from Arizona.
UBelong Suicide Outreach Program
At BYU-Hawaii the UBelong Suicide Outreach Program invites students to join for counsel and discussion for suicide prevention.
“We try and get past that point and show them there is value in living and to stay with us,” expressed Elder Kittleson.
Sister Leilani Auna, LCSW, Director at BYUH Counseling and Disability Services oversaw the development of suicide prevention program called UBelong.
Elder Kittleson continued, “Most people who struggle with suicidal thoughts feel isolated and alone even if they are surrounded by other students, ward members, friends and family. We emphasize to each student that they belong, they are not alone, [and people] care.
“The basic reason we focus on that title is because people who feel suicidal feel isolated and alone. We want them to feel like you belong here in a part of our group. You belong to your Elders Quorum, or your Relief Society. You belong to the BYU-Hawaii ohana here as Heavenly Father’s family. You are not alone.”
The meetings take place in the McKay Auditorium and are open to all students interested to attend. Elder Kittleson explained there have been meetings of three people up to sixty people. No matter the number of those attending, the meeting is open to meet the needs and interest of the students.
“When my wife and I were called as senior missionaries to BYUH, some people back home asked why my services as a licensed mental health counselor were needed. They said, “How could anyone have anxiety or depression? They’re in Hawaii! It’s paradise!,” Elder Kittleson recalled. “It is paradise, but the students here are not on vacation. There are a lot of factors that create anxiety and stress. Even though this is one of the Lord’s universities with His spirit here, students struggle.”
A.C.T
UBelong teaches there are three parts in effort of preventing suicide and getting attention to those in need. A.C.T stands for ‘be aware, care, and tell’.
Elder Kittleson said, “Be aware of people around you of how they are acting. Notice if they show that they are alone, if somebody seems not in their usual, if they miss class a few times, miss church. Keep an eye out if someone doesn’t feel as much pleasure in activities that they used to, or they feel like they don’t want to get out of bed and are oversleeping.
“Care, talk to them, and see how they are doing. Be direct and see how they respond to, ‘Are you so sad that you are thinking of hurting yourself? Of taking your life?’”
Some people think the act of asking a direct question is going to give them an idea to commit suicide, noted Elder Kittleson. Contrarily it means more to the person suffering. He said, “When someone finally cares enough to talk to them and ask them the hard questions it helps relieve some of the pressure to have somebody to talk to.
“Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all talk to help others. Tell them there is professional help available. Tell them to call the National Suicide Line.”
Outreach
BYU-Hawaii Counseling and Disability Services are available to students and families.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is +1(800)237-8255 and open for calls 24/7.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a webpage, “Preventing Suicide” dedicated to those struggling with suicidal thoughts: https://www.lds.org/get-help/suicide