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 counseling staff or the dean of student services 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
  • Contact the Admissions and Advising Center at PVCC to set up an appointment with the crisis counselor on duty or call and set up an appointment with an individual counselor. You can be seen by the crisis counselor immediately.
  • Know that all PVCC counseling sessions are free and confidential
  • You can ask the PVCC crisis counselor or the dean of student services to refer you to outside counseling sessions as needed. In some cases, PVCC can arrange for outside counseling session within 24 hours and at no cost.
  • You can also consider:
    • Calling to make your own appointment at Region Ten 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 at: 1.800.273.TALK (8255)

If you are having thoughts of suicide on campus, go to the Campus Police Office immediately

HOW TO RECOGNIZE RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE IN OTHERS

  • Direct expression of wanting to commit 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

  • Take all hints or threats of suicide seriously
  • Let your friend talk freely and be non judgmental
  • Urge your friend to seek professional help immediately
  • Involve others to get your friend help
  • Go with your friend to a crisis counselor on the PVCC campus
  • Alert college staff to intervene if the student is on campus