Image Alternative Text: Depicted is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Suicide Prevention Month 2023 image. The image reads, "There is hope" in white script. The background of the image is bright-colored purple. The image is via SAMHSA.
Thank you to medical, clinical, and administrative colleagues at the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Rowan University; Rowan University Wellness Center; Rowan University Academic Affairs; Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM); and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) for collaborating and helping to provide input and resources at go.rowan.edu/bethe1to.
Together with all Rowan colleges and schools, we are committed to supporting our campuses and communities and helping one another in prioritizing mental health and preventing suicide.
Warning: This content discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at "988." Additionally, all Rowan University students from all Rowan colleges and schools including the Rowan–Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan–Virtua SOM) and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) can call Rowan Public Safety at 856.256.4911. If these resources do not meet your needs and you or someone you know is still at risk for harm from yourself or others, please call 911. If you are supporting someone in need, do not leave the person alone until emergency medical services arrive.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published educational information regarding warning signs and risk factors for suicide, and how to support those considering suicide. Please share the below health communication images via SAMHSA, with classmates, colleagues, and community members, year-round.
Suicide Warning Signs for Adults
Image Alternative Text: The health communication image reads, at the top, "Suicide Warning Signs for Adults" and "Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change" in white font. There is an icon at the top of the image depicting an image of a bright-colored purple and turquoise ribbon symbolizing suicide awareness and prevention. The text in the middle of the image lists suicide warning signs for adults:
- Talking about or making plans for suicide
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
The background of the image is bright-colored purple. The image is via SAMHSA.
Click here to download and share the health communication image.
Suicide Warning Signs for Youth
Image Alternative Text: The health communication image reads, at the top, "Suicide Warning Signs for Youth" and "It's time to take action if you notice these signs in family or friends" in white font. There is an icon at the top of the image depicting an image of a bright-colored purple and turquoise ribbon symbolizing suicide awareness and prevention. The text in the middle of the image lists suicide warning signs for youth:
- Talking about or making plans for suicide
- Expressing hopelessness about the future
- Displaying severe/overwhelming pain or distress
- Showing worrisome changes in behavior, particularly in combination with the warning signs above, including significant:
- Withdrawal from or changing social connections/situations
- Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)
- Anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context
- Recent increased agitation or irritability
The background of the image is bright-colored purple. The image is via SAMHSA.
Click here to download and share the health communication image.
Peer Education
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, in partnership with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, advise five action steps to help safeguard people from risk of suicide and support them when in crisis. These action steps are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention. Click here to review and share the steps and research.
Seek Help Now
If you or someone you know is at risk for harm from yourself or others, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
Additional Resources
Learn more about #BeThe1To at bethe1to.com, and learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
Learn about the physician suicide crisis, suicide prevention resources, and how to help create a culture of mental wellbeing, via the Vital Signs: The Campaign to Prevent Physician Suicide website.
Additional educational information and supportive resources focused on suicide prevention are available at go.rowan.edu/bethe1to; and educational information and supportive resources focused on stigma, substance dependence and substance use disorder (SUD)/addictions treatment, and related terms and issues are available at go.rowan.edu/recovery.
Please know that there is no shame in seeking support and treatment. You are important and your life matters.
Interested in contributing to the Rowan University DEI website/blog and/or social media? Please complete the following brief interest form and share with student groups and colleagues across all Rowan colleges and schools: go.rowan.edu/deicontent