Some Common Suicide Myths
*Suicide Myth
People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention.
Suicide Fact
People who die by suicide usually talk about it first. They are in pain and oftentimes reach out for
help because they do not know what to do and have lost hope. Always take talk about suicide
seriously. Always.
-------------------*Suicide Myth
People who talk about wanting to die by suicide do not try to kill themselves.
Suicide Fact
People who talk about wanting to die by suicide oftentimes kill themselves.
-------------------*Suicide Myth
Suicide always occurs without any warning signs.
Suicide Fact
There are almost always warning signs.
-------------------*Suicide Myth
Once people decide to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do to stop them.
Suicide Fact
Suicide can be prevented. Most people who are suicidal do not want to die; they just want to stop
their pain.
---------------------*Suicide Myth
Suicide only strikes people of a certain gender, race, financial status, age, etc.
Suicide Fact
Suicide can strike anyone.
--------------------Suicide Myth
People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt suicide again.
Suicide Fact
People who attempt suicide and survive will oftentimes make additional attempts.
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Suicide Myth
People who attempt suicide are crazy.
Suicide Fact
No, no, no. They are in pain, and probably have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Anyone could
attempt suicide.
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Suicide Myth
People who attempt suicide are weak.
Suicide Fact
No, no, no. They are in pain and probably have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Many people
who are very "strong" die by suicide.
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Suicide Myth
People who talk about suicide are trying to manipulate others.
Suicide Fact
No. People who talk about suicide are in pain and need help. And telling them that they "just want
something" or "are trying to manipulate" is both insensitive and ignorant. People often talk about
suicide before dying by suicide. Always take talk about suicide seriously. Always.
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Suicide Myth
When people become suicidal, they will always be suicidal.
Suicide Fact
Most people are suicidal for a limited period of time. However, suicidal feelings can recur.
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Suicide Myth
People who are suicidal definitely want to die.
Suicide Fact
The vast majority of people who are suicidal do not want to die. They are in pain, and they want to
stop the pain.
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Suicide Myth
You should never ask people who are suicidal person if they are thinking about suicide or if they
have thought about a method, because just talking about it will give them the idea.
Suicide Fact
Asking people if they are thinking about suicide does not give them the idea for suicide. And it is
important to talk about suicide with people who are suicidal because you will learn more about their
mindset and intentions, and allow them to diffuse some of the tension that is causing their suicidal
feelings.
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Suicide Myth
When people who are suicidal feel better, they are no longer suicidal.
Suicide Fact
Sometimes suicidal people feel better because they have decided to die by suicide, and may feel a
sense of relief that the pain will soon be over.
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Suicide Myth
Young people never think about suicide, they have their entire life ahead of them.
Suicide Fact
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24. Sometimes children under
10 die by suicide.
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Suicide Myth
There is little correlation between alcohol or drug abuse and suicide.
Suicide Fact
Oftentimes people who die by suicide are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Suicide Myth
People who are suicidal do not seek help.
Suicide Fact
Many people who are suicidal reach out for help
Adjusting to Life on Campus
New Student on Campus: Tips On Being Successful
The Good News: This is a big place with a lot of opportunities.
The Bad News: This is a big place with a lot of opportunities.
Coming to college is a big step. It's one of life's major transition points because, for many, it is the first
time we've been so fully responsible for our own daily activities. Nobody is here to look over our shoulders
to see if we're doing what they think we ought to be doing. In some ways, that may feel like a relief; in
other ways we may suddenly feel like we've been set adrift on an uncharted ocean. There's a lot be
learned over the next few years. Much of that we'll learn in a classroom. We'll also learn many things
about successful living in all the things we do that take place outside the classroom and in areas that we
may not feel are connected to academics at all. Things like learning to live with roommates, dealing with
finances, taking care of household chores, trying out romantic partnerships, dealing with people from
other cultures and other beliefs, navigating the sometimes formidable bureaucracy of the University are
just a few of the non-academic areas that will demand some of our attention. That will happen at the
same time we are coping with academic demands like learning how to study effectively and get work
done on time, finding out how to use the libraries, learning how to utilize the services of course instructors
and teaching assistants, finding the various help and tutoring services on campus and learning how to
study and work with other students. While all of this is going on, we'll learn how we respond to stress and
how to look for the social an emotional support we need from our friends, family and various campus and
off-campus organizations and helping agencies. This seems like a lot to be dealing with and it is.
Fortunately, we don't have to learn it all at once and we don't have to learn it entirely without help. We
also don't have to be perfect at it either. This is a time to learn all of these things, so if you don't already
know how to cope with all of these things yet, join the club! Hopefully we can all have some fun as we
embark on this adventure.
Tips to Making Things Run Smoother:
Make every effort to go to your classes and be prepared by doing the course assignments. The first sign
that you are probably in trouble academically is that you have been missing classes. If you don't
understand something or find your self confused, ask questions. Use the course instructors and teaching
assistants as your resources for helping you learn. Being aware of what you don't know is at the heart of
learning and can lead you to search for new knowledge and solutions. Academic departments often keep
lists of tutors if you need them. There are other resources on campus that can help you with academic
problems e.g., the Academic Learning Skills Center; and the Teaching Center . Visit the University's
home page to find additional services. Make out a study schedule, but make it realistic and include time to
eat, sleep, and enjoy some leisure activities. Make short-term goals for yourself-something you want to
accomplish today or over the next few days-that contribute to your longer-term goals so that you don't
have to do everything at the last minute. Also, accomplishing something, even a small thing, each day
helps you feel like you're making progress. Try to be open to new ideas and new experiences. We tend to
look at new things in the same way we looked at things in the past. The more we do that, the fewer new
things we learn. Try to suspend judgment for at least a little while when faced with something-or
someone-that challenges what you have believed in the past.
Get involved-with academics, social activities, friends, and with yourself. The more you are involved in
your life, the more you will benefit from it. Of course you should also remember that nobody can do
everything all the time and that you have limits. Learn how to say "no" to others when you need to take
care of your self. Use the many excellent support services available to you free of charge as a student.
There are academic advisors, health specialists, counselors, residence hall staff, financial aid officers,
study skills specialists and many others who want to see you be successful in your time at the University.
Don't be afraid to ask them for help. It's why they're there.
Test Anxiety
Overcoming Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is an uneasiness or apprehension experienced before, during, or after an examination
because of concern, worry, or fear. Almost everyone experiences some anxiety. But some students find
that anxiety interferes with their learning and test taking to such an extent that their grades are seriously
affected.
What can be done about it?
Fortunately, there is a great deal that you can do to keep the anxiety from interfering with your
performance. First, it's important to know that you don't have to eliminate it entirely. It helps to be "up" for
exams. You just want to reduce the anxiety to a manageable level. Getting prepared for the exam is more
than half the battle. Attend all of your classes, find out what you're expected to know and when the exams
are scheduled. Keep up with your work so that you can avoid "cramming" for exams. Become more
efficient in your study habits. Have a study schedule that makes use of "wasted time". Study in a location
where you can concentrate, get interested in the material, and give it your complete attention. Use a
method such as SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) for reading your textbooks. Make
flashcards and review them often. Learn how to take good notes. Go over them right after class and
review periodically. Make outlines and summary sheets. Ask yourself, "What is the important
information?" Being in a study group with motivated classmates is often helpful. Most colleges have
Reading and Writing Centers to help you improve your study and test taking skills. Free tutoring is also
usually available. In general, organized, self-confident students with efficient study habits may actually
spend less time studying than others who receive lower grades.
So How Do You Get To Be Self Confident?
Self talk. Research shows that the self-talk of test-anxious students almost always tends to be negative
and self-defeating. "Everyone in this class is smarter and faster than I am." "I always mess up on tests."
"If I don't do well on this exam, then I'll flunk the course." "These are trick questions." "This is a weed-out
course." Become aware of what you say to yourself. Try writing your negative thoughts and then disputing
each one with a positive statement. Start to encourage yourself as you would a friend. Repeating your
positive statements to yourself will help reprogram your mind for success instead of for failure.
Other Techniques
Visualize yourself doing well and reaching your goals. Aim for an A level of understanding. Don't
overprotect yourself by saying you'll be lucky to get a C, so why study more? Try not to compare yourself
with others. Become an expert in learning what is going well and what you can do to improve. Collect
data by keeping a journal. Reward yourself after studying instead of getting involved in avoidance
behaviors. Practice relaxing (progressive relaxation, self-hypnosis, guided imagery, etc.) so that
relaxation becomes an automatically learned response. Aim for a state of relaxed concentration. When
you concentrate, you have all of your energy focused on your work with none wasted on worry. Take care
of yourself by eating well and getting enough sleep. Plan time to exercise regularly and do it.
Test Taking Strategies Before:
s as much like the test as possible.
Give yourself time to feel composed and to be on time for the exam. Avoid anxious classmates who are
talking about the exam.
During:
Look over the entire test, READ THE DIRECTIONS, plan your approach, and schedule your time.
question first.
consequences of not doing well, or wondering what others are doing.
t you probably studied it and the answer will come to you when you get back to
it.
your eyes, take three deep breaths and then back to the task.
ssay Exams. Organize your thoughts in a brief outline. Look for key words such as compare, contrast,
describe, identify. Start with a short summary or topical sentence and then make your points. Don't
ramble. Remember what the professor emphasized.
Objective Exams. Think of your own answer before looking at the choices provided. Eliminate clearly
wrong answers and make an educated guess (unless there is a severe penalty for wrong answers). After
you have answered those you know, return to those you checked. Think about only one question at a
time. After you have answered those you know, return to those you checked. If your time is running out,
concentrate on those questions you know well and/or have the most weight. Use all the time allowed for
reviewing your answers, completing ideas. Only change answers if you are sure of yourself.
After:
Reward yourself for having tried. Don't go over the test questions with others. No matter how the test
went, you can learn from the returned exam.
Final Thoughts
List the resources which are available: free tutors, Reading and Writing Center, etc. List at least three
specific steps which you can take now to meet your goals. (Check those suggestions you plan to follow).
If you are still experiencing test anxiety after using these suggestions, you may want to meet with a
counselor. For additional information regarding services call (352) 392-1575.
Procrastination has got to be one of the worst afflictions student face. Most people procrastinate
sometimes; some of us procrastinate most of the time. Many students can get away with it, getting
‘good enough’ grades, maybe even A’s or B’s on papers (projects) done at the eleventh hour, with little
or no revision. Few would argue however that this represents the best that they are capable of. For
some, this ‘getting away with it’ provides kind of a rebellious high that maintains this behavior. Maybe
it’s a dysfunctional hedge against our fear of failure. If the grade is poor or mediocre..well what did you
expect?, ..you knocked that paper out the night before it was due. If you had really put some work into
it then a poor grade might mean that you don’t have what it takes. It’s like subconsciously we assume
that if we don’t really try we won’t really fail. In reality not trying produces the ultimate failure, you
won’t learn much. Mostly though it’s just plain avoidance, putting off doing something that we find
unpleasant or threatening. You know you’ll eventually get it done. The mystery in all this for me is why
procrastination is so persistent. From what I’ve observed people generally don’t really have lots of fun
while procrastinating. In fact often they’ll engage in some kind of activity that is justifiable and assuages
the guilt that they feel over not doing what they should be doing. Some of my favorite examples of this
I’ve heard over the years are students who say they can’t begin to write that paper or study for finals
until they’ve cleaned their apartment. This might make some sense, you can probably work more
efficiently in a clean, organized environment, and if this is some kind of ritual that helps you get started,
go for it. But let’s set some priorities, if you’ve got ten pages to write in the next eight hours, can you
really afford to spend an hour or two cleaning? The absolute best example of this kind of avoidance is
deciding that you need to look up a few more articles before you begin writing, when you’ve got more
material already than you can probably use. Remember the assignment is to write a paper not to read
one (or twenty)! Use the material you’ve got and spend a little more time analyzing, digesting and
writing.
In the overall battle against procrastination it’s important to know the enemy, what are the ways that
you avoid and procrastinate? Learn to recognize them and start to vanquish them. It might motivate us
is this battle to recognize the huge hidden cost of a pattern of chronic avoidance. Chronic avoidance
erodes our self-confidence. Think about it, when you avoid something the message you’re telling
yourself is that you can’t handle it. It’s the only message you’re giving, you’re not even giving yourself
the opportunity to see what you can achieve by confronting the issue. Avoidance leads to zero growth,
zero learning. If you confront things you will learn and grow. You might not always reach your highest
goal, but you will certainly learn something along the way. Attitude can be vital here. Learn to view tasks
and problems as challenges, rather than threats. Most things can be defined either way. The
definition we choose can make a world of difference. When you think of challenge you think of the gains
or the value of undertaking the task. Challenges are why people sail around the world in little boats,
climb mountains and jump out of perfectly good airplanes. These people aren’t stupid, they know there
are risks and they take appropriate precautions, but they are focused on the gains for them of
undertaking the experience. They engage fully in the experience and bring forth their best effort. When
you define something as a threat you focus on the potential losses,.. loss of life, of prestige, money etc.
It makes sense that you want to avoid these things and so you don’t engage and don’t bring forth your
best effort. So view what you do as a challenge, focus on what your will learn from it.
So the reality of procrastination is that we’re not having fun, in fact it can make us feel quite miserable,
disrupting sleep, spoiling our appetite and causing us to be tense and worried. And we’re not getting our
work done. It’s the worst of both worlds. We offer few guarantees in the mental health business but
here’s one that you can take to the bank. Stop procrastinating and get working and you will feel better.
You’ve been telling yourself that the work will be unpleasant so it makes sense to avoid it. But you know
you can’t avoid it forever and right now avoiding the work (procrastinating) is making you feel worse,
doing the work will make you feel better. So how do you get started? That first step, breaking the ice, is
critical. Put aside all distractions (cell phones, TV’s, etc) and get to your desk and start writing. Get your
fingers moving on that keyboard, even if you have to start by just typing your name or the topic of the
paper for half a page or so, break the ice get something written. Once you’ve started, keep writing. Turn
off that internal editor, it doesn’t have to be perfect, in fact it never will be, so get out of your own way,
stop criticizing and write. If you get really stuck, it might be helpful to step away from it for awhile.
Move, go out and walk or throw the ball with your dog. Don’t turn on the T.V., start surfing the net, or
checking email, if fact don’t do anything that involves a screen, these can suck up way too much time.
Keep your break brief, and then get back to it. Remind yourself of how good it will feel to get this done,
think about what you’re learning along the way.
Don’t focus on the whole, huge project but break it down into smaller tasks. Most big projects can be
broken down into smaller tasks that require different kinds of skills, there might be data analysis,
reading for background, synthesizing or analyzing. If you’re not clear where to begin just begin with
what seems the most accessible or doable and get doing. Don’t stop yourself by saying that you need a
big block of time to get anywhere with this project. Challenge yourself to see how much work you can
get done if you only have an hour free at the moment. You’d be surprised what you can accomplish.