Spring Break
Counseling Center addresses suicide
Mond, who has been working with the Hopkins community for over years, believes Continued on Page A11that "being aware of the symptoms and being educated properly on how to deal with [suicidal situations]" is the key to suicide prevention.
Thus, the ability to notice distress signals such as emotional problems, unusual social behavior and "suicidal ideation" is imperative for students and family, as well as University staff.
These symptoms, which Mond said are most often observed by "people who know [the suicidal person] the best," may reveal themselves in people who have a long history of depression yet they also occur in formerly stable people who are reacting to trauma, loss or an extreme change in their life.
And while most suicidal people also exhibit signs of severe depression, not all those who are depressed are necessarily going to commit suicide ---- they are, however, more at risk, according to The American Suicide Foundation.
All the more reason, Mond contends, "you should always consult with someone if you are worried...we'd rather take it [suicidal symptoms] seriously and react."
This is part of the reasoning behind the Center's Suicide Tracking System (STS), which attempts to recognize those students or faculty members who demonstrate slight to severe signs of suicidal tendencies. The tracking system was set up in an effort to keep potentially suicidal students from going unnoticed or untreated. In the Fall of 1996, the Center set up the tracking system in order to keep close tabs and continually monitor its suicidal clients. Last year, there were 45 such students and Hopkins affiliates who were placed in the tracking system (six percent of the 161 people with suicidal thoughts), a process that includes weekly sessions that facilitate assessment and assure continual contact with the Center's professionals.
Of those 45 clients, one was referred to outside medical treatment and none were hospitalized and none committed suicide. There were also 22 percent who dropped out of treatment, yet continued to be monitored, and 24 percent who are still being tracked.
"I've seen students whose sense of self and vision for the future is destroyed by a bad exam or an unwanted break-up," said Mond, "and my sense is that since Sept. 11, it is easier for people to get distressed."
It is important, Mond stressed, that students know that the Center's services are free of charge, confidential, non-judgmental and most importantly of all, they do not include calling students' parents or professors. That is, however, unless the student seems to be at a high risk of hurting himself or others.
Sept. 11, along with a vast array of stresses both at school and at home, are factors cited by Mond that may influence someone's thoughts of suicide.
Mond was quick to point out, however, that dialogue and open discussion with someone who may be suicidal is not going to "put an idea in their head." Most people who are suicidal will readily talk about their thoughts or maybe even a plan of action, if they have gone so far.
Planning ahead, arranging one's personal affairs and even giving away valuable personal belongings are all quite often demonstrated by suicidal people.
While some students may not want to alienate a friend who seems to be at risk of committing suicide, a study done by the Center on their 2001-2002 clientele shows that a majority of those people who came to the Center with suicidal tendencies were referred there by a friend.
Statistics show that of the 40 clients last year who indicated they had moderate to severe suicidal thoughts, feelings and behaviors, 22 percent were referred by a friend, while 45 percent referred themselves.
"As you can see," Mond said, "friends can play a vital role."
Most of the people who are, however, recent victims of depression are in a category Mond termed as acute. There is more chance, as he said, that through dialogue with a counselor, those victims of acute depression could learn how to cope with the traumatic situations in their lives. For those who are more severe, medication in combination with therapy is another option.
Yet some people who have problems with depression or suicidal thoughts, "don't like to admit to their problems because it may mean [to them] that they are a failure," Mond said. "But just knowing that there is someone who's going to be there to help reduces their anxiety."