Let's be honest, talking about suicide isn't always an easy conversation for some people to have. Often times, people can become visibly uncomfortable just at the mention of the word "suicide." There are lots of people who don't feel comfortable telling others that they feel distressed or are experiencing a crisis.
Breaking the stigma
When we don't discuss topics like suicide and emotional crisis, people might not reach out for help when they need it the most. For persons who have had suicidal thoughts, they might feel shame or stigma. For people who are experiencing emotional crises, they might feel like they are alone.
It's time we start shifting our conversations and saying, "It's okay to talk about suicide" and to say, "I need help." It's not just okay to talk to about suicide and say you need help, it's also okay to reach out and get help. Research has shown that talking about suicide and emotional crisis can actually help save lives.
When we talk about suicide or experiencing emotional distress, we make these conversations less taboo. Talking about it is a way to empower yourself and others to feel comfortable getting help.
What you should know
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States (US) among persons 15-24 years old. As a community, we can all do something to help lower this statistic. One of the simple things we can do is to know the factors that can increase risk for suicide and the protective factors that lower risk.
Risk factors can include:
Depression
Ongoing physical health issues, such as chronic pain
Access to lethal means, such as drugs or firearms
Childhood abuse or trauma
Protective factors can include:
Community and family support
Healthy problem-solving and coping skills
Access to timely mental health care and services
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. "988" is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect persons directly to trained crisis counselors.
These trained counselors will listen, understand how the caller's problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources as necessary.
You can call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org/chat to receive support from one of their trained counselors.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they can receive support for mental health related distress. That could be:
Thoughts of suicide
Mental health or substance use crisis, or
Any other kind of emotional distress.
If you have more questions about 988, please visit their website.
When should you call 988?
If Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) is closed or you just need to talk to a trained mental health counselor for a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis, call, text, or chat 988.
Retriever Integrated Health
For more help regarding suicide or emotional distress, visit Retriever Integrated Health at health.umbc.edu for information on:
Individual and group counseling support
Online tools to support your well-being journey
Office of Health Promotion
The Office of Health Promotion (OHP) offers events and trainings related to suicide prevention and helping our community members get help. Visit the OHP myUMBC page for up-to-date offerings. Contact OHP at ohp@umbc.edu to invite Health Promotion staff to your office or group meeting.
As many of us are looking forward to returning home and gathering with family and friends, we are pleased to announce that UMBC is able to offer two more influenza and COVID-19 booster clinics next week. If you have not already received this season's flu shot or the new bivalent COVID booster, protect yourself, your families, and the community against these two illnesses by scheduling an appointment today. You may choose to receive either or both boosters.
Clinic Dates and Locations
Monday, December 12, 10am to 4pm, Harbor Multipurpose Room
Thursday, December 15, 10am to 3pm, Harbor Multipurpose Room
As many of us are looking forward to returning home and gathering with family and friends, we are pleased to announce that UMBC is able to offer two more influenza and COVID-19 booster clinics next week. If you have not already received this season's flu shot or the new bivalent COVID booster, protect yourself, your families, and the community against these two illnesses by scheduling an appointment today. You may choose to receive either or both boosters.
Clinic Dates and Locations
Monday, December 12, 10am to 4pm, Harbor Multipurpose Room
Thursday, December 15, 10am to 3pm, Harbor Multipurpose Room
First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to unite to help end HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. Keep reading for ways to prevent AIDS and support anyone that may be living with HIV or AIDS-related illnesses.
What is HIV? How are HIV and AIDS related?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person living with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
How is HIV spread?
Direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, anus fluids, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk can transmit HIV if they enter the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person via a mucous membrane, such as the vagina, rectum, penis, or mouth. Other ways for it to enter the bloodstream include via open sores or cuts, as well as, transmission via sharing a needle or syringe.
How can HIV be prevented?
In 2019, adults ages 18-24 were found to have the highest percentage of people with HIV who had sex without using any HIV prevention strategy in the past 12 months. It's important to use protection when engaging in sexual activities. This is one strategy to help prevent HIV/AIDS.
Read this OHP blog post for more information on how to protect yourself during sexual activities and to learn about other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Most college students have never been tested for HIV despite regularly engaging in unprotected sexual activities and typically doing so with multiple partners. Help be a part of the change by getting tested and encouraging your community to also get tested. You and your partner(s) should both get tested regularly. Spread the word by encouraging your friends, partner(s), and loved ones about the importance of getting tested often.
If you or someone you know is living with HIV or AIDS, check out this NACCHO article that provides resources for college students living with HIV. The guide includes the following information:
HIV: Helping Students Understand the Basics
Living with HIV in College
Facing Discrimination with HIV
HIV & Maintaining Health at College
Youth HIV/AIDS: By the Numbers
Scholarships & Grants for Students Living with HIV
HIV Prevention: How to Minimize Your Risk
Want more information? Access the CDC Risk Reduction Tool and read answers to FAQs.
Nervous about getting tested? Read about what to expect.
The Office of Health Promotion, in collaboration with the Health Department, will be hosting Worlds AIDS Day Testing on Thursday, December 1, 2022, 12 - 5 PM in the Center for Well-Being. During this event, you can visit our Relaxation Zone in the Center for Well-Being Lobby to learn more about HIV/AIDS prevention while waiting for your test results. Visit theOHP myUMBCpage for up-to-date offerings.