2008 Woodie Awards
Online evaluation helps spot early signs
Univ. offers counseling
KRISTEN COULTER
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: News
Suicide is "the number one concern on college campuses in the U.S.," according to Gayle Robbins, director of the University's Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
Robbins said students who feel depressed or suicidal need to seek counseling immediately.
"I know it's really scary to tell someone," Robbins said. "But the most important thing ... is to get counseling."
Robbins said the University - through CAPS - offers many avenues of assistance.
If students are severely depressed and contemplating suicide, Robbins said they should call CAPS to speak with the on-call clinician. If CAPS is closed, students' phone calls will be redirected to the University police, who page the on-call clinician.
The clinician will meet students at CAPS' offices if the crisis is during business hours. If CAPS is closed, the clinician will meet the student in a hospital emergency room.
"We're really committed to getting students the help in the time that they need," Robbins said. "We can truly help. There's a lot that can be done."
If students think they may be feeling depressed, CAPS offers an online assessment to determine the severity of students' moods.
Robbins directed students to other Web sites, including nimh.nih.gov and jedfoundation.org.
Robbins advised friends of those experiencing mental health issues to talk about their concerns.
She said while peers "have a tendency to be hesitant" in reporting friends' mental illness symptoms, it is crucial for those who are concerned to speak with CAPS representatives.
Robbins said there are warning signs to look for, but individuals who know someone who has committed suicide cannot blame themselves.
"It's important for someone who is affected by suicide to get help, too."
Robbins said students who feel depressed or suicidal need to seek counseling immediately.
"I know it's really scary to tell someone," Robbins said. "But the most important thing ... is to get counseling."
Robbins said the University - through CAPS - offers many avenues of assistance.
If students are severely depressed and contemplating suicide, Robbins said they should call CAPS to speak with the on-call clinician. If CAPS is closed, students' phone calls will be redirected to the University police, who page the on-call clinician.
The clinician will meet students at CAPS' offices if the crisis is during business hours. If CAPS is closed, the clinician will meet the student in a hospital emergency room.
"We're really committed to getting students the help in the time that they need," Robbins said. "We can truly help. There's a lot that can be done."
If students think they may be feeling depressed, CAPS offers an online assessment to determine the severity of students' moods.
Robbins directed students to other Web sites, including nimh.nih.gov and jedfoundation.org.
Robbins advised friends of those experiencing mental health issues to talk about their concerns.
She said while peers "have a tendency to be hesitant" in reporting friends' mental illness symptoms, it is crucial for those who are concerned to speak with CAPS representatives.
Robbins said there are warning signs to look for, but individuals who know someone who has committed suicide cannot blame themselves.
"It's important for someone who is affected by suicide to get help, too."
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