Depression & Suicide Prevention

Students often juggle many demands and can experience, stress and anxiety at various times during their academic career. It is normal to experience bouts of sadness or depression, or to feel down for short periods of time. However, if these feelings of sadness persist, and if they are left untreated, they may lead to more prolonged depression and interfere with your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

The college cares about your mental and emotional health, and we encourage you to contact PVCC Student Accessibility and Accommodations or Student Success if you feel that you may be experiencing depression or anxiety.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

  • Sadness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Loss of pleasure in normal activities
  • Poor concentration and loss of focus
  • Irritability and restlessness
  • Changes in eating habits weight loss/weight gain
  • Low energy and fatigue

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE DEPRESSED OR THINK YOU'RE DEPRESSED

  • Be honest about how you are feeling--don’t minimize or deny how you are feeling
  • Recognize when just talking with a friend is not enough
  • If your sadness does not go away within two weeks, or if you are having a problem with your usual routine, then reach out for help
  • Recognize that getting professional does make a difference
  • Assistance for students - call 434.961.5398 to be immediately connected to a trained staff member who can help students experiencing a mental health crisis or need a referral to outside resources.
  • Region Ten Community Services Board partners with PVCC to provide students with access to on-campus and virtual counseling sessions. Counselor Jnauiree Wilson, LPC-R, works as a Child and Family Outpatient Clinician at Region Ten and she is dedicated to supporting students with care and impact. She offers in-person and virtual counseling sessions to current PVCC students at no cost. Her office on campus is on the 2nd floor of the Bolick Center, and students can contact her directly to set appointments – jnauiree.wilson@regionten.org if you have any questions or need more information.
  • You can also consider:
    • Calling to make an appointment at Region Ten Community Services for their full range of community services.
    • Making an appointment with your family doctor to discuss your concerns
    • Contacting a licensed counselor in the community to set up an appointment

SUICIDE CRISIS

If you are having thoughts about harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

  • National Suicide Hotline - Call 9-8-8

If you are having thoughts of suicide and want to connect with campus resources go to the Campus Police Office or call 434.961.5398 to reach a trained staff member.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE IN OTHERS

  • Direct expression of wanting to commit suicide or of thinking about suicide
  • Sudden social withdrawal and isolation
  • Alcohol and substance abuse
  • Hints about suicide intent
  • Someone significant in their life has committed suicide
  • Giving things away
  • Putting affairs in order
  • Preoccupation with death
  • Impulsive behavior

HOW TO HELP A FRIEND WHO IS DEPRESSED OR SUICIDAL

  • Alert college staff to intervene with the student.
  • Ask your friend if you can call the PVCC Mental Health Line 434.961.5398 together and talk with a trained staff member.
  • Involve others to get help for your friend.
  • Let your friend talk freely and be non-judgmental.
  • Show them the 9-8-8 Suicide Hotline information on their PVCC ID card.
  • Take all hints or threats of suicide seriously.
  • Urge your friend to seek professional help immediately.