Know the Signs, Find the Words: USU's Suicide Prevention Efforts

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Utah State University Counseling and Prevention Services (CAPS) is encouraging Aggies to learn how to recognize when someone may be struggling and connect them with support.

Through USU HELPS, a 60-minute training, CAPS teaches students how to spot suicide warning signs and support someone in distress. Students and employees can request a training on the CAPS website.

"Hope and healing are important parts of suicide prevention," said Kaitlin Oliver, wellness promotion and suicide prevention coordinator at CAPS. "We want students to know that support is available even when things feel overwhelming."

Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die or about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden to others. Other signs include increased alcohol or drug use, agitation, mood swings, changes in sleep, and withdrawing from others. A sudden drop in grades or repeated absences may also signal distress.

CAPS recommends starting with a private conversation: express concern, listen without judgment, and ask directly, for example, "Have you been thinking about ending your life?"

"Students don't have to be mental health professionals to support someone who is struggling," Oliver said. "Checking in, listening and helping someone find support can be an important first step."

CAPS has partnered with USU Dining Services to offer Logan campus students a free soup and salad bar meal at the Skyroom after they complete Live On Utah's Suicide Prevention Playbook. Students can show their certificate of completion at the CAPS office in the Taggart Student Center Room 306, to receive a coupon while supplies last.

CAPS offers counseling, crisis services, wellness resources, and referrals for students at the Logan campus and statewide locations, in person or by telehealth. Students can call 435-797-1012 or visit during business hours.

For immediate crisis support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. Students can also reach trained crisis therapists 24/7 by calling the CAPS phone number 435-797-1012, option 0.